Townsend wants PRO12 points more than 1872 Cup win

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend. Picture: SNS

The Scotstoun boss watched his side get back to winning ways following a double defeat to Cardiff Blues with a 20-16 triumph over inter-city rivals Edinburgh at Murrayfield.

The Boxing Day derby doubles as both a RaboDirect Pro12 fixture and the first leg of the annual 1872 Cup contest played out between the two Scottish regions.

But, with the return to come in Glasgow on New Year’s Day, Townsend – whose side moved from fifth to third in the Pro12 with Thursday’s win, having lead the standings earlier this campaign – insists league points are more worthwhile than local bragging rights.

The Warriors coach told Glasgow’s official website: “First and foremost these games are all about doing as well as we can in the league. The 1872 Cup is a mini tournament in the wider context of the league, but getting those four points is valuable.

“We had our last game in the league against Treviso postponed which gave other teams around us the chance to get ahead so getting that win puts us in a good position, but we have to back it up next week at Scotstoun.”

Dougie Fyfe’s first-half try had put the hosts ahead in the capital, but five penalties and a score from Scotland international Stuart Hogg after the interval swung the game in Glasgow’s favour.

And Townsend admitted his side had to dig deep to see off Alan Solomons’ men.

“It was a very big fixture for us and it was the last game before the halfway point of the season so it was good to get the win,” he said.

“We know how tough we had to fight for that win and we had to play much better in the second half, so next week is going to be another incredible battle.

“I thought Edinburgh played really well, especially up front and they pose a real physical test to you.

“The second leg comes around very quickly with only six days between the games. We know Edinburgh will push us very hard next week and I thought they played really well on Thursday.

“The game is heading for a sell out, so it should be a cracking match at Scotstoun.”