Millard targets hangover cure
QUINS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK FROM TROUNCING
BILLY MILLARD has backed Harlequins to shrug off their Saracens hangover against Bath at the Stoop today.
Quins were slaughtered 52-7 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Saturday, but director of rugby Millard reckons they can hit Bath on the rebound.
The Australian, who has coached at Cardiff, Melbourne Rebels, USA Eagles and Connacht, has gone back to when he had a host of Wallabies, including former Exeter lock Dean Mumm and flanker Phil Waugh, in his homeland nearly 20 years ago for inspiration.
His star-studded Sydney University team were virtually unbeatable in the Aussie Premiership until a shock defeat before winning the title.
Millard said: “In my 20-odd year 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 team and we didn’t turn up, but that focused us and we went on to win the title. We didn’t lose a game for about three years before that.”
Quins had a frank meeting after Saturday’s setback, and Millard said: “There was a very honest review. You have got to be honest. You don’t want to dwell on it because it was a blip.
“It is about getting players talking about how they felt. It is how you bounce back.”
England fly-half Marcus Smith goes head-to-head with Scotland kingpin Finn Russell, the brains behind a Bath side who demolished Sale 42-24 at the Rec last Sunday.
Gloucester will look to build on their Premiership win over Leicester when they host Bristol. Head coach George Skivington has promoted Scotland centre Chris Harris 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.