That kept the Warriors on the cusp of the play-off spots in fifth with their next opponents Ospreys, who they welcome on Friday, one place higher and four points better off.
And head coach Townsend believes defeat of the Welsh region can be a catalyst to break into the top-four and book a RaboDirect PRO12 play-off place come May.
"They are four points above us but have played two more games than us and if we can get the win on Friday night it would be absolutely massive," he told the Glasgow Evening Times.
"We have a lot of sore bodies but hopefully nothing too severe and with it being a six-day turnaround that is always a challenge.
"But I can't play down the importance of this game and it is great that we have given ourselves the perfect platform."
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