Townsend wary of Zebre threat

Townsend's side take on basement boys Zebre on Friday evening, and must fancy their chances having routed the Italians 54-0 on their last visit to Scotstoun, and won handsomely in Parma 54-10 just three weeks ago.

But the 41-year-old insists Zebre could be a much tougher prospect this time around, and warned his men not to be undone by a side with their tails up after some high-profile Italian success on Scottish soil last weekend.

"Zebre have played a lot better since the last time we played them," he said.

"The following week they went to Leinster and were leading 8-3 after 45 minutes which was a good achievement. Leinster only scored their fourth try in the 82nd minute, and Zebre also scored a cracking try themselves.

"Then on Sunday they beat Dragons, who had also been playing well, so they are a much tougher prospect.

"There is also a bit of confidence in Italian rugby and possibly a few of their players would have been here last week against Scotland, and will have happy memories of playing here. We also know they will come out with a lot of emotion after losing to us so heavily at home.

"So they will look to play like Italy did against Scotland and we know that can be tough to combat. It is a big test for us and there will be a bit of revenge in it for them after our result over there.

"But we are sitting second and (league leaders) Munster have to go to Ospreys tomorrow, so we are determined to stay in the top two going into the three week break. That is our target."

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