Glasgow Warriors boss Gregor Townsend believes his side’s impressive squad depth could prove key to their GUINNESS PRO12 defence this year ahead of the season opener against Scarlets.

Teenage second-row Scott Cummings has impressed Townsend enough to be rewarded with his first competitive cap though there are plenty of familiar faces among the starting XV.

Cummings will start alongside Scotland international Rob Harley while Adam Ashe, World Cup-bound Josh Strauss and Chris Fusaro are also part of a strong pack.

Rory Hughes and Lee Jones line up on either wing, while the returning Scott Wight starts at stand-off and Grayson Hart makes his competitive debut for the club at scrum-half, after joining from Edinburgh.

There are also five internationals on the bench for Glasgow, who have won their last 20 GUINNESS PRO12 encounters at fortress Scotstoun.

And Townsend said: "We're excited about playing at Scotstoun for the first time this season and we're expecting a capacity crowd to get behind the team.

"Scarlets are a tough side and we know we'll need to be at our best in order to start the season with a positive result.

"Scott (Cummings) has worked really hard during pre-season and has earned his start and Robbie (Fergusson) has also done really well over the last few weeks and could feature at some point.

"We have real depth to our squad and the Rugby World Cup period is an opportunity for our players to show what they can do and we're looking forward to seeing them all represent the club."

John Barclay is set to face his former side after being named among Scarlets’ starting XV, taking his place in a pack that has amassed nearly 450 appearances between them.

With Ken Owens and Scott Williams away with Wales it’s full-back Hadleigh Parkes who’s taken the captain’s armband, and joining him in the back three are Steffan Evans and Michael Tagicakibau.

As unenviable a trip to Scotstoun is, Scarlets will be seeking to keep the momentum rolling from last season after winning their final four GUINNESS PRO12 games.

“Despite missing a number of their international players Glasgow will still be strong,” said Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac.

“We've had a look at their pre-season, they're matched hardened, they have a big squad and they've been working together now for some time. They're well coached and will be a formidable side at home.

"They seem to be using a lot of the players from last year, we expect them to be a very similar side in the way they play the game and we've prepared accordingly."

At Scotstoun Stadium, 5:15pm.

Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU, 13th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Neil Paterson, Bob Nevins (both SRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Montgomery (SRU)
TMO: Jim Yuille (SRU)

Live on Sky Sports