Harri Millard is relishing Friday night’s clash with star-studded Leinster and a potential head-to-head with Rieko Ioane. 

The Blue & Blacks take on the reigning champions in a crucial encounter at the Arms Park as the race for the play-offs intensifies.  Millard says this is exactly the kind of game the players want to be involved in.

“It’s a very important game,” he said. “They’re stacked with stars, but we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can show the crowd what we’re about.”

Leinster arrive at the Arms Park having won 11 games straight in all competitions and sit four points above the Blue & Blacks in the URC table. 

Millard expects a ferocious Friday night encounter and expects Leinster to challenge the Cardiff attack with smothering speed in defence. 

“Expect a lot of line speed. They’re very good defensively and can get on top of you quickly. We want to use our skills to beat that line speed, get our wingers on the ball and cause a bit of chaos.

“To do that, we need quick ball from our forwards in midfield. If we get that, it should open up the edges for us backs.”

Millard has switched from wing to outside centre this season and admits it’s been an adjustment.

But despite a few frustrating results, the 29 year old has enjoyed this season as the Blue & Blacks find themselves in the URC top 8.

He added: “It’s different to last year. I went from being top try-scorer to not scoring – that’s probably the difference between wing and 13, I guess. You just get more space out on the wing. But I’ve loved playing both positions.”

“I’ve really enjoyed this season. A couple of results haven’t gone our way, but overall, I think we’re going well.”