Gregor Townsend insists Glasgow Warriors are shorn of players but not of quality as the Scottish region resumes RaboDirect PRO12 rivalries against Connacht on Sunday.

The Warriors welcome two starting XV debutants on the wing in Rory Jones and Lee Hughes, who has been released from Scotland 7s duty for the rest of the season.

Niko Matawalu has been shifted to full-back and Richie Vernon will start his first game at centre for the club, forming a partnership with Mark Bennett in midfield.

Josh Strauss is available after injury and will captain the side from No.8, while Pat MacArthur and Ruaridh Jackson return from international duty.

Glasgow’s last two RaboDirect PRO12 encounters at Scotstoun have fallen foul of the weather but they have won three of their last four home games against Irish provinces.

And Townsend is relishing the opportunity to throw his youngsters into the deep end – believing the absence of his side’s international players is no excuse for a below-par performance.

“Connacht are an extremely tough side to play and it was a very close game when we played them in over in Galway in November, so we know we face a real challenge on Sunday,” he said.

"International call-ups and injuries during this period of games shows how important it is to put together a strong squad with real depth.

"Last season during the Six Nations our players stepped up and performed really well, so we expect those involved on Sunday to seize their opportunity.

“We were delighted to get Lee Jones in this week and he is a player who has impressed in the international set up and is a proven try scorer.

“He gets an early opportunity to play for the club and it’s a great chance for him to do what he does best in front of our home supporters.

“Rory Hughes has impressed all season in training and has come close to playing a few times. He’s worked hard on his game and performed well for Stirling County, so we’re looking forward to seeing him in a Warriors jersey.”

Connacht’s last RaboDirect PRO12 victory on their travels also came in Scotland, with a 32-24 victory at Edinburgh last April.

However the Irish province have only mustered one win in the tournament all season, and head coach Pat Lam admits their depleted pack could hit them hard.

Craig Clarke, Nathan Whitey, Sean Henry and Brett Wilkinson are all unavailable but in brighter news, full-back Robbie Henshaw returns at full-back.

An all-new front row will feature Denis Buckley, Rodney Ah You and Jason Harris-Wright, while wing Fionn Carr collects his 100th cap for the club.

And though Connacht may not be heading to Scotland at full strength, Lam insists his team remain intent on securing a first-ever win at Scotstoun.

“It’s obviously a big disappointment for us losing Craig, (Nathan) Whitey, Sean and Brett (Wilkinson) – four of the frontliners from our forward pack,” Lam said.

“But we have full confidence in our squad and this is another opportunity for our younger forwards to step up, with a start this week.

“Having Robbie (Henshaw) back in the starting XV is a bonus, especially with Gavin (Duffy) unavailable this week.

“Playing Glasgow is a huge test for us. They are a very direct side with one of the best defensive structures in the entire league. Connacht has never won at Scotstoun and this is something we want to change.”

At Scotstoun Stadium, 2pm.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 35th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Graeme Marshall (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Montgomery (SRU)