Townsend recognises renewed determination

Would the real Glasgow Warriors please step forward? Gutsy and defiant in defeat to Leinster, they were spanked by Munster last weekend in what was an abject performance.

Coach Gregor Townsend makes three changes for tonight’s visit of Castres (Scotstoun, 7.35pm). Tommy Seymour, the team’s joint top scorer, returns on the wing, Scott Wight is back at outhalf with Josh Strauss at number eight. Castres have named Scottish international Max Evans on the left wing in a strong looking side. Glasgow have lost both fixtures to date.

“We are coming off the back of what was a disappointing performance against Munster last week, particularly as we believed we were capable of leaving Thomond Park with a win,” Townsend said.

“We pride ourselves on being tough to beat, and we didn’t do that. There has been a renewed determination this week. We know our record in the Heineken Cup is not as good as it should be, and we are fighting to stay in the tournament. The next two games will determine how the rest of our season will go.”

GLASGOW: P Murchie; T Seymour, S Hogg, P Horne, DTH van der Merwe; S Wight, H Pyrgos; R Grant, D Hall, M Cusack; T Swinson, A Kellock (capt); R Harley, J Barclay, J Strauss. Replacements: P Macarthur, M Low, G Reid, T Ryder, R Wilson, N Matawalu, D Weir, S Maitland.

CASTRES: R Martial; M Garvey, S Bai, R Lamerat, M Evans; P Bernard, R Kockott; Y Forestier, M Bonello, K Wihongi; M Rolland, C Samson; I Diarra, J Bornman, A Claasen. Replacements: M-Antoine Rallier, M Lazar, A Peikrishvili, P Wannenburg, Y Caballero, T Sanchou, P Bonnefond, D Kirkpatrick. Referee: Wayne Barnes (England) Verdict: Castres Olympique