Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has called on his side to turn Scotstoun into a fortress once again this season as they prepare to kick off their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign against Cardiff Blues on Friday.

The Warriors, who finished last campaign in third place after a run of seven straight home victories, agonisingly lost out on a place in the final, going down to eventual champions Leinster in their semi.

They have however been beaten in round one of the RaboDirect PRO12 for the past two seasons, although both matches were away from home while they have lost only one of their last seven matches against Welsh regions.

For Friday’s clash, captain Al Kellock has been recalled and he will partner Tim Swinson in the second row.

The only change to the backline which started the 29-26 win over Exeter Chiefs last Saturday is the inclusion of Mark Bennett at outside centre. Sean Lamont moves to the right wing, with Tommy Seymour dropping to the bench.

After an impressive debut from the bench against the Chiefs Jerry Yanuyanutawa starts his first game for the club at loosehead, with Pat MacArthur coming in at hooker and Ed Kalman completing the front row.

Richie Vernon starts at No.8, with Chris Fusaro at openside and Rob Harley starting on the blindside.

Townsend said: “We’re all really looking forward to getting our new season underway in front of our home support.

“The players have worked extremely hard over the last few months and they are in great physical shape going into this game.

“Cardiff Blues have a very strong squad, and have been in impressive form in pre-season, so we’ll have to be at our best to get our season off to a winning start.

“We finished last season with a run of seven straight victories at home and those selected will be doing all they can to continue that form into the new season.

“We had some great nights at Scotstoun last season and our supporters always give the team a huge boost, so I’m sure they’ll get right behind them again tomorrow night.”

The Blues’ only victory in their last seven games of the 2012/13 season came at home to Zebre on 13 April while they have lost their last four clashes with the Warriors.

Matthew Rees skippers the side for the first time since his summer move from the Scarlets in a front row that also includes Taufa'ao Filise and Scott Andrews.

Wales international Bradley Davies and Samoa star Filo Paulo paired in the second row while Robin Copeland plays at No.8 and is flanked by Macauley Cook and Josh Navidi.

Rhys Patchell and Lloyd Williams combine at half-back while Harry Robinson and Chris Czekaj offer the firepower out wide. Gavin Evans and Owen Williams combine in midfield with Tom Williams in the No.15 jersey.

Director of rugby Phil Davies said: "It's important we have a positive start, we want to build momentum in all the competitions.

"It's also important that we continue to develop the team and the individuals through this early period. “The season is split into three or four different blocks where you have a full squad of players and then you haven't due to internationals.

"We have to develop consistency so that every time you do have a change in your playing squad you don't have a dip in performance. That is the challenge in this league, getting consistency throughout and the way players come in and out.

"It's about getting the physical and mental approach right to enable us to perform. We need a competitive game to see where we are and we are looking forward to it.”

At Scotstoun Stadium, 7.35pm. Live on BBC ALBA
Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 35th competition game)
Assistant Referees: David Changleng, Graeme Marshall (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: Iain Goodall (SRU)
TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)