Leinster have been the stand-out performers defensively in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season with comfortably the fewest tries conceded in the league, but they were taught a lesson in discipline by Glasgow who have now not allowed anyone across the whitewash in two of their last three matches.
And Townsend was thrilled with the resolve shown by his side to move up into the top six in the GUINNESS PRO12 standings.
"It was such a gutsy performance. We knew how tough this game would be given the quality of our opponent," he said.
"The talent they put out tonight was outstanding and they've been in really good form recently, so we knew it would be difficult.
"Given the changes we've had to make this week - what with initially training with two fly-halves, then neither of them being available and Rory Clegg coming in - we knew it would be an even bigger challenge.
"During the game, Leinster threw everything at us and we did well not to concede a try. It's a win full of character and it shows the quality of the squad we have here."
Clegg was flawless with the boot on his return to Scotstoun, kicking four penalties from four to notch all 12 of Glasgow's points.
And while Townsend was thrilled with the fly-half's performance - having only secured his signature the day before - he is also relishing the thought of all his international stars returning to his line-up to face Ulster next week.
"He's got a game that suits the way we want to play and he settles into our attacking shape pretty naturally," he continued.
"He hasn't played for a few weeks so he was tiring a little near the end, but credit to him and we're very happy to have him with us once again.
"The win will do us a power of good. It shows us that we can win with our backs against the wall when up against a top team.
"Ulster are a great side and will have all of their internationals back, but so will we. I'm sure the Scotland boys will have watched that with a lot of pride and we look forward to welcoming them back next week."
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