WHATEVER happens in today’s final round of PRO12 fixtures, Glasgow Warriors already know they will be in the play-offs with a chance of reclaiming the trophy. But, after winning nine games on the trot to go to the top of the table, they are desperate to take that run into double figures and go into the semi-finals in the best possible frame of mind.

Gregor Townsend’s team are two points clear of Connacht, who they meet today in Galway. Win or draw, and the Warriors will finish the regular season in the top two, which means a home semi-final in a fortnight’s time.

But if they lose they will probably finish third, which would mean a trip to Leinster, or maybe even back to Connacht. And, as no away team has ever won a semi-final, there is an extra incentive for them to keep up that winning streak this afternoon.

“It's great, because other results have created a situation where we can finish top,” Townsend said yesterday after naming his team for the match. “We were expecting Leinster and Connacht to win last week” - they both lost - “and it was always a possibility that it didn't happen.

“We win and we get a home semifinal and, yes, the bonus of finishing top would be great after the efforts the players have put in. But it’s going to be a very tough game.

“Whoever we play in the semi is going to be a very good team. You have a slight advantage, especially in terms of history, in getting a home semi-final and that is what we’re working to do.

“Connacht play an expansive style of rugby and have a good home record, so we'll have to produce an 80-minute performance if we're to secure a home play-off. The players have worked extremely hard over the last few weeks and we have genuine competition for places throughout the squad. We are aware of the importance of this fixture and will be doing all we can to come back from Ireland with a win.”

After putting out a shadow side for last week’s 70-10 win over Zebre at Scotstoun, Townsend has almost been able to select his strongest starting 15 to play Connacht. The most absentee is Henry Pyrgos, who has been ruled out with a neck injury, meaning Ali Price starts at scrum-half with Grayson Hart on the bench.

Peter Horne returns to partner Alex Dunbar at centre, with Mark Bennett dropping to the bench. Finn Russell returns at stand-off in place of Duncan Weir, who converted all ten of his team’s tries last week but is left out of the squad altogether this time round.

“This was certainly the toughest selection we’ve had this season - one of the toughest we’ve ever had to do,” Townsend added. “Players played so well down at Scarlets, one of our best ever victories, and then players played so well at the weekend, but still don't get in the starting team or the 23.”

Glasgow Warriors (v Connacht at Galway Sportsground, today 3pm, live on BBC1): S Hogg; T Seymour, A Dunbar, P Horne, L Jones; F Russell, A Price; G Reid, F Brown, S Puafisi, L Nakarawa, J Gray, R Harley, R Wilson, J Strauss. Substitutes: P MacArthur, J Yanuyanutawa, Z Fagerson, T Swinson, S Favaro, G Hart, M Bennett, S Lamont.