Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend believes his side have the momentum they need to avenge last year’s RaboDirect PRO12 heart-ache and book a place in the final. The Warriors head to the RDS to face Leinster, just as they did last year, looking to make-up for the disappointment of a 19-15 defeat 12 months ago. Earlier this season it was a similar story for the Scottish side and they were beaten 22-17 despite against outscoring Leinster in terms of tries. Glasgow have been impressive since that defeat in March however, winning three of their last four matches, including a 20-3 win over Connacht last time out. And Townsend believes that performance will stand his side in good stead for Saturday’s clash. Townsend said: “Leinster have set the benchmark in European rugby for the last three or four seasons and we are under no illusions as to the size of the challenge that awaits us in Dublin. “Winning in Galway has created vital momentum for us after our home victory against the Ospreys. “It was also important that we were able to deliver a quality performance away from home against tough opponents. We return to Ireland this weekend with renewed confidence and determination. “We narrowly lost to Leinster in March but we were pleased with a number of aspects of our game that night. We’ve improved since then and we’re really looking forward to another opportunity to play at the RDS. “Training has been positive this week following our win in Galway and once again I’ve been delighted with the workrate and attitude from our players.” Townsend has made seven personnel changes to the side that beat Galway – with Peter Horne moving from inside centre to fly-half in place of Ruaridh Jackson, who drops to the bench. Alex Dunbar comes in for Horne, with Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland, Niko Matawalu, Josh Strauss, Al Kellock and Ryan Grant also back in the starting XV. After signing a new deal this week to keep him at Scotstoun until 2015, Niko Matawalu starts ahead of Henry Pyrgos at scrum-half. John Welsh keeps his place at tight head, with Grant coming in at loose head in place of Moray Low and Pat MacArthur continuing at hooker. Captain Kellock is back in the side after missing the game against Connacht and he will partner Tim Swinson in the second-row. For Leinster, it is a fourth successive home play-off match at the RDS, having won the previous three. Leinster’s only loss in the RaboDirect PRO12 since round 11 was 18-22 at home to Ulster in March but they are unbeaten in their last ten encounters against Scottish opponents and in their last six against the Warriors in all competitions. Leo Cullen leads the team while Gordon D’Arcy has shaken off the calf strain which had ruled him out for the last few games and he will partner Brian O’Driscoll at centre. Isaac Boss links up with Jonathan Sexton at half back, with Isa Nacewa forming the back three alongside British & Irish Lions full-back Rob Kearney and Fergus McFadden. Cian Healy starts in the front row alongside Richardt Strauss and Mike Ross with Devin Toner lining out for the 125th time in Leinster colours. “They're bruisers in the pack. Defensively they're strong and their record stands up," Healy told the Irish Independent. “It's a strong scrum, but it's nothing we haven't dealt with before. You have to back yourself and that's what we'll do. “Every team can be broken down and we'll be prepared for Saturday.” At RDS Dublin , 7.35pm. Referee: Pascal Gauzere (FFR, 4th competition game) Assistant Referees: Marius Mitrea, Giuseppe Vivarini (both FIR) Citing Commissioner: Ray Wilton (WRU) TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR) Live on TG4 and BBC ALBA
