Gregor Townsend has called on his defence to deliver Glasgow Warriors’ fifth win from five GUINNESS PRO12 games this season, as they take on Benetton Treviso on Sunday.

Head coach Townsend continues his rotation policy this weekend, making nine changes to the squad that beat Connacht Rugby at Scotstoun last week as Glasgow aim to keep the pressure on Ospreys at the top of the GUINNESS PRO12.

Tom Ryder makes his first start for the Warriors since February, partnering Al Kellock in the engine room, while hooker Pat MacArthur is set for his 100th appearance in a Glasgow shirt alongside Alex Allan and Rossouw de Klerk who come into the front row.

And while Glasgow have won their last 11 matches against Italian opponents since Treviso beat them at Firhill in September 2011, Townsend expects a stern test at the Stadio Monigo.

“We're expecting a big challenge in Treviso on Sunday afternoon and our defence will have to be at its best,” he told the Scotsman.

“Having watched their early season games, they have already used a few excellent lineout moves, and our defence will have to be switched on throughout the game to prevent any line-breaks.

“We've worked hard on this area in training and the players have tackled well this week.

“Right now Treviso are re-building, but they have some fine young players who have impressed at the highest level of the game.

“We have had a lot to focus and improve on since our victory over Connacht last Friday, and in that respect the extra preparation time we have has meant we’ve had a productive week.”

Meanwhile Treviso coach Umberto Casellato is bidding to avoid an eighth straight GUINNESS PRO12 defeat, a run stretching back to before he took charge over the summer.

The bottom-side have lost back-to-back PRO12 fixtures at the Stadio Monigo but have not lost three in a row in the tournament at the venue since April 2012.

Matteo Muccignat is recalled at prop in place of Matteo Zanusso, while winger Angelo Esposito also comes in for his second start of the season.

Edoardo Gori steps up to the starting XV after impressing off the bench last weekend against Newport Gwent Dragons, and scrum-half Alberto Lucchese could see his first action in a green and white shirt, making his debut as a replacement this week.

And skipper Antonio Pavanello insists his side are not far away from making a major breakthrough in the competition.

“I know for sure that if we stay healthy we will soon start playing with some more confidence with our back line and we will show that we are a dangerous team,” he said.

“We are building a new team and that requires patience and dedication from players, coaches and staff.

“We are definitely facing a tough time but Rome wasn't built in a day. We need to stay focused on our daily schedule and keep working. I am sure results will come.”

At Stadio Monigo, 3pm local time (2pm UK & Ireland). Live on NUVOLARI & BBC2 Scotland.
Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 3rd competition game)
Assistant Referees: Claudio Blessano, Andrea Spadoni (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner: Stefan Marrama (FIR)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)