GLASGOW WARRIORS have named their starting team to face defending champions Connacht in the opening game of the Pro12 season on Saturday.

Gregor Townsend, who will take over as head coach of the national team next summer, has named 12 Scotland internationals in his line-up.

The match in Galway will kick off at 5:15pm and marks a repeat of last season's play-off semi-final, when the Irish province came out on top with a 16-11 win.

Read more: Glasgow Warriors and Leinster are set to continue their fine run of PRO12 formGlasgow Times: Glasgow coach Gregor Townsend. Picture: SNS

Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour and Johnny Gray are selected to start having missed pre-season fixtures with the Warriors.

Italy international wing Leonardo Sarto will make his debut, while their could be a landmark moment for substitute Sean Lamont as the Scotland veteran is one appearance away from becoming a Glasgow centurion.

Read more: PRO 12 team-by-team guide

There could be debuts from the bench for hooker Corey Flynn, Namibian international second-row Tjiuee Uanivi and backrower Lewis Wynne.

“Our players have worked extremely hard over pre-season and we’re looking forward to going back to the Sportsground tomorrow night," said Townsend.

"Connacht are the champions and I’m sure they will be full of confidence playing at home again. They played some outstanding rugby last season and they will be formidable opponents for us.

"We have an experienced group heading to Ireland, one which will be full of determination to do much better than on our previous visit. It should be a fascinating contest."