Glasgow Warriors may be the last side left in the RaboDirect PRO12 with a 100 percent record but head coach Gregor Townsend insists that will count for nothing against Zebre on Friday. While the Warriors are full of confidence after their revenge win over defending champions Leinster last time out, the Italian outfit are equally buoyant. They recorded their first-ever win in the competition last weekend against the Cardiff Blues to climb off the foot of the table. But the Warriors top the pile and Townsend is desperate for his side to keep their winning momentum going. “Beating Leinster last Friday was a fantastic result for the club, but our focus is now on backing that up with a win against Zebre tomorrow night,” he said. “They are a very difficult team to play against and after winning their first game in the league last week they will be full of confidence. “We have selected a strong squad and we've been pleased with the intensity in training this week. “Our players are acutely aware of the improvement Zebre have made since they entered the competition last season and how we must limit any opportunities they have to attack. “We're delighted to have Al (Kellock) and Niko (Matawalu) back after their injuries and we also welcome back Sean Maitland after his involvement with the British & Irish Lions during the summer." Captain Al Kellock returns to the Warriors starting line-up for the game at Stadio XXV Aprile in Parma tomorrow. The second-row was stretchered off in the opening game against Cardiff Blues three weeks ago, but has recovered to take his place in the team. Kellock will skipper the side in what will be his 150th league appearance and Townsend has made nine personnel changes and one positional switch from the side that defeated Leinster. Sean Maitland makes his first appearance of the season, replacing Stuart Hogg at full-back, while Gabriel Ascarate makes his first competitive start for the club in place of Mark Bennett at outside centre. Byron McGuigan and Henry Pyrgos are promoted from the bench in the absence of Sean Lamont and Chris Cusiter respectively. In the forwards Gordon Reid comes in for Ryan Grant at loosehead and Scotland hooker Dougie Hall replaces Pat MacArthur. Rob Harley moves from blindside flanker to second row and will combine with Kellock, while James Eddie takes Harley's place and Josh Strauss comes in for Richie Vernon at number eight. The Warriors have not conceded a try since Jamie Heaslip scored against them in last season's Play-Off, some 293 minutes ago. Glasgow have won their last seven games against Italian opponents but skipper Marco Bortolami is confident that the Italians are just getting started. “The win, coming after a good first half against Munster, is a step forward for the squad," he said. "There was a desire from the squad to go and get this result and to have done it in the Arms Park, one of the historical grounds in European rugby, adds a bit more flavour to this first win for the North West XV. “At the end, a man down, we defended with a lot of heart, without giving up a centimetre, it’s a sign of the desire in the group to get results. “But the win must not change our approach or make us forget that there is a lot of work to do to continue to grow. “The win over Cardiff is a confidence boost, after a year and a half of stress, but from now we need to look towards Friday’s game against Glasgow in Parma, the Warriors were semi-finalists last season and it will be a very tough game.” At Stadio XXV Aprile, 7.30pm local time (6.30pm UK & Ireland). Referee: Dudley Phillips (IRFU, 37th competition game) Assistant Referees: Matteo Liperini, Filippo Bertolli (both FIR) Citing Commissioner: Marco Cordelli (FIR) TMO: Alan Falzone (FIR) LIVE on Mediaset and BBC ALBA
