GREGOR TOWNSEND has made his case for the defence so his Glasgow Warriors don't court trouble tomorrow.

The Scotstoun side are in Italy this weekend where they will take on Benetton Treviso at the Stadio Monigo.

Warriors go into the game joint top of the GUINNESS PRO12 with four wins from four games, while their hosts have yet to register a point following a quarter of drubbings.

However, despite their league standings and contrasting form, the Glasgow head coach says his high-flying troops will need to be at the peak of their powers at the back if they are to record win No.5 tomorrow.

A few mistakes almost proved costly in last Friday's win over Connacht and Townsend said: "We're expecting a big challenge in Treviso tomorrow afternoon and our defence will have to be at its best.

"We've worked hard on this area in training and the players have tackled well this week."

The head coach praised Warriors hooker Pat MacArthur, who will make his 100th appearance in black and blue in tomorrow's clash.

Also included in the 23-man squad are 18-year-old Zander Fagerson and 21-year-old Ali Price, who are named amongst the replacements.

Townsend, who will see skipper Al Kellock start his second game of the season, said: "One of our more experienced players will be making his 100th appearance for the club this weekend and I want to congratulate Pat on this fantastic achievement.

"We're delighted to have Zander and Ali in the squad for the first time this weekend.

"Zander's selection comes off the back of the way he's trained with us and played for Glasgow Hawks.

"Ali has recovered well from his knee injury, which he had last season and has been in cracking form for Stirling County.

"Both players also played very well in the recent 'A' fixture against Edinburgh Rugby."

Warriors team: Hogg, Seymour, Lamont, Horne, Van der Merwe, Weir, Matawalu; Allan, MacArthur, De Klerk, Ryder, Kellock (captain), Eddie, Holmes, Strauss.

Replacements: Brown, Yanuyanutawa, Fagerson, Nakarawa, Fusaro, Price, Russell, Downey.