Russell has found his chances limited with the Warriors and had appeared just three times in the RaboDirect PRO12 this season before the weekend.
But with Duncan Weir and Ruaridh Jackson away on international duty, the fly-half has vowed to seize the moment, particularly after Townsend hailed his showing.
"That is great to hear that from your coach, especially with the Scotland guys away and a couple of games coming up so it would be good to get some chances to show what I've got before the Scotland guys come back," Russell told the Scotsman.
"It was brilliant, that was my sort of rugby - a fast game on a good surface like that is the sort of rugby I love. The breaks were thanks to the other guys setting it up and the kicks only come from the forwards setting it up."
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