QUIN AND BEAR IT
‘Hammering by Sarries can inspire us’
HARLEQUINS boss Billy Millard has backed Marcus Smith and company to shrug off their Saracens hangover when Bath arrive at the Stoop today.
Millard’s side were thrashed 52-7 by Owen Farrell’s team at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a horror show last weekend, but the Australian reckons Quins can hit Bath on the rebound.
Millard has had stints at Cardiff, Melbourne Rebels, USA Eagles and Connacht.
But he has gone back nearly 20 years for inspiration to when he had a host of Australian internationals, including former Exeter lock Dean Mumm and flanker Phil Waugh, in a team Down Under.
He was in charge of a starstudded Sydney University team, in the Aussie Premiership, who were virtually unbeatable until they were turned over in a shock result before winning the title.
Millard said: “In my 20-oddyear career some of the best seasons I have had involved a hammering. As long as it is reviewed well and you have the right people it can work as a driver to move forward.
“I took Sydney Uni to a title in 2006. We had been undefeated and we lost to the bottom team Southern Suburbs at home three weeks before the finals. I had nine Wallabies in the starting team and we didn’t turn up but that moment focused us and we went on to win the title. That is one that jumps out at me. We were an extremely good side, we didn’t lose a game for about three years before that.”
Quins had a frank meeting after their display at Spurs, where players held their hands up after being steamrollered by Sarries and Millard is expecting a reaction.
He added: “There was a very honest review. We have got good men, good coaches, and you have got to be honest. You don’t want to dwell on it because it was a blip that was out of character for this year. It is about getting the players talking. There is a lot of experience in that room and we had to move on quickly. It is how you bounce back.”
Fly-half Smith goes head to head with Scotland kingpin Finn Russell, the brains behind a Bath side who are running hot. They demolished Sale 42-24 at the Rec last Sunday and boss Johann van Graan has made five changes, including No.8 Jaco Coetzee in for Alfie Barbeary.
Quins have reshuffled the front row with Fin Baxter starting ahead of Joe Marler.
At Kingsholm Gloucester host Bristol looking to build on their Premiership Cup win. Head coach George Skivington has promoted Scotland centre Chris Harris to start and brings Ollie Thorley in for wing Jonny May.
Bristol have prop Ellis Genge and full-back Max Malins starting after they were benched for the 52-21 win over Northampton.
Harlequins v Bath, 3.05pm, TNT Sports; Gloucester v Bristol, 3pm, PRTV