Pontypridd v London Scottish, @ Sardis Road
Saturday October 11 @ 14:30
Centre Lee Millar has backed director of rugby Mike Friday’s claims that London Scottish can win this season’s British and Irish Cup, which begins this weekend.
Scottish kick off their campaign away to Pontypridd on Saturday after a strong opening month of the Greene King IPA Championship, where four wins from five have put them third in the table.
Friday has stated he feels his side should be challenging for silverware this season, and Millar, man-of-the-match in last weekend’s win over Plymouth Albion, is confident they can, despite a tough group featuring two of last year’s semi-finalists.
“It’s definitely possible to win it,” he said.
“Last year we rested a few boys in some games but I think this year if we can really get points down in Pontypridd we’ll be doing alright.
“Bristol the following week will obviously be another tough game, but it’s back here with a home crowd, and as long as we shore our defence up we should be ok.
“We’re scoring a lot of tries right now. There’s a lot to work on, there’s still some handling errors, but the way it’s moving forward is really good, and if we can gel things together for a full 80 we’ll do well.”
Meanwhile, Connor Braid is hoping to follow up his scoring debut against Plymouth last weekend with more tries against Pontypridd.
The Canadian international joined Scottish on a month-long loan deal and scored two tries against after coming off the bench in the second half.
He said: “I played in the Welsh Premier about four years ago and it’s hard rugby week in week out. They are a gritty bunch in the Welsh Valleys and it should be a good game.
“Hopefully we can stamp our mark on the game, continue where we left off against Plymouth and get the B&I Cup campaign off to a perfect start.”
Braid played in the Championship with Doncaster two years ago and, with 12 international caps to his name, the Canadian centre’s work ethic and skills have impressed at Scottish and may see his loan extended.
Feature image of head coach Pete Richards, courtesy of London Scottish
