GEOFF CROSS believes a victory over Munster tonight would be the most important so far of Glasgow's season.

Warriors have not won in Limerick since May 2008 but a victory would bring the second placed Munster men, who are seven points head of fourth placed Glasgow but have played a game more, back within touching distance.

Once again opening up the possibility of a home semi-final in the PRO12 play-offs.

All of which has left Cross, who will start on the subs bench for tonight's 6.30pm BBC Alba televised tussle at Thomond Park, dreaming of leaving Irish eyes streaming.

The Warriors tight-head said: "For me this is the most important game of Glasgow's PRO12 season to-date.

"Our record over in Limerick is not good but with them sitting just seven points above us in second place, a win at Thomond tonight would bring us right back into the reckoning.

"To do that we are going to have to match their physicality and really take their ball carriers down but that is a challenge we are relishing. It is going to be one of these all-or-nothing games."

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend has replaced Niko Matawalu on the left wing with Tommy Seymour while Alex Dunbar replaces Mark Bennett at outside centre in tandem with Finn Russell.

At stand-off, Duncan Weir comes in for Ruaridh Jackson and Chris Cusiter once again captains the side after replacing Henry Pyrgos at scrum-half.

Gordon Reid starts his fifth consecutive game at loose head, with Dougie Hall replacing Pat MacArthur at hooker and Jon Welsh coming in for Cross at tight-head.

In the second row, Tim Swinson partners Jonny Gray in the engine room with Al Kellock rested.

In the back row, Josh Strauss replaces Rob Harley at blindside while Chris Fusaro is in for Tyrone Holmes at openside with Ryan Wilson continuing at No.8.

Warriors coach Townsend was in no mood to play down the size of tonight's task.

Toony warned: "Munster have been in excellent form this season and are now the sole representatives from the PRO12 in the Heineken Cup, so we're under no illusions about the size of the task we face.

"Munster will be buoyed by their victory over Toulouse in the Heineken Cup quarter-final last weekend and the comprehensive nature of their win has underlined just what a tough place Thomond Park is to go and get a result, as we are all too well aware."