But with Joe Schmidt's side in action against third-placed Ulster on Saturday, Townsend is looking to take advantage in his side's Good Friday clash against Munster.
"We have an opportunity to still be in the top two and perhaps go top this weekend, and then attack the last few games with more confidence," Townsend told The Scotsman.
"We haven't talked too much about finishing in the top two. We are currently sitting in second and Leinster and Ulster play against each other on Saturday.
"Mathematically, I'm sure Munster will still be in the frame if we were to beat them, but if we win it might knock them out of the running for the top four so it's a massive game.
"But you never know how the games will go. There are teams out there who want to finish the season on a high, but we're preparing for every team around us to win their games and we'll have to win more.
"Whether that's two, three or four games, each one is an opportunity to win. If we want to be in the top two I'd imagine we have to win all our games."
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