Miller: forward momentum will shape our season

FORMER Australia coach Bob Dwyer said he had the best eye to hand co-ordination he had ever seen in a back-row forward, and now, finally, Eric Miller can see European glory on the horizon for Leinster.

Two seasons ago, expectations were dashed after a semi-final flop against Perpignan at Lansdowne Road, but Miller believes Leinster to be a far more mature outfit now as they prepare to face up to another French side, Bourgoin, this evening.

Despite injuries at frustrating times, Miller (29) played in all three of the Irish autumn internationals, and tonight teams up with Victor Costello and up-and-coming open side flanker Shane Jennings in the Leinster back row.

“Ideally, I would love to play number eight because that, I feel, is my best position but I’m really happy to play anywhere, though my limitations might be obvious elsewhere,” said Miller.

As Bourgoin seek revenge for last week’s demolition in Dublin, Leinster are faced with a situation in which they have not always thrived but Miller believes things have changed, and that Leinster can win games from beyond the pack.

“I think we have learned from that (Perpignan) experience. We had a chance and we blew it. It was partly our own fault but if we are lucky enough to get to that stage this season I’m sure we will be all the wiser. It comes down to experience. You get harsh lessons from time to time and the important thing is to make sure you learn from them.

“We have taken things on board. For instance, we spoke about the threat from Bath the week leading up to our second game. People had written off the Leinster pack but we matched them, probably beat them up a bit and we got through a very difficult match. Maybe that result proved we have turned the corner in terms of taking on good packs.

“Now it’s a question of getting to a stage where we don’t need an excuse every week, or even every second week, as to why we lost. That is within ourselves because we obviously have the backs to do the business if we can provide them with any type of quality possession. I suppose it’s really up to us forwards as to how far Leinster can progress this season.”

Bourgoin might have been brushed aside last week, but Miller is in no doubt that things will be different this evening.

“We haven’t exactly won that many games in France and we are well aware of the reputation French teams have at home. We won’t be intimidated and that’s a good thing but there must be a fear factor because otherwise we would be walking into more trouble than we expect.

“Mentally, it’s probably the toughest game all season. It’s hard to get up for a match against a side that you have beaten so easily the previous week, but we have got to focus very seriously.

“We really shouldn’t need any motivation because playing in France is always going to be a tough call, no matter who you are up against. We know Bourgoin have been slated in the French press. We’re pretty sure they will make several changes, call out the troops, and it will be impossible for us to use last week as a reliable indicator of what they will be like.

“I have looked at French international sides that showed four or five changes from one match to another and there was an amazing transformation. If Bourgoin make the nine or ten we expect then it is certainly back to the drawing board.

“A win will put us in a good position. But they are in the ideal position of being underdogs, and having the home support baying for victory. It’s not really a nice position to be in from a Leinster perspective but we will have to cope with the circumstances and I’m fairly sure that we are capable of doing that.”

Meanwhile, Leo Cullen trained with Leinster yesterday and sources within the camp suggested he will be fit to take his place in the side, despite suffering a shoulder injury at Lansdowne Road last Saturday. Ben Gissing will come into the team in the event of Cullen having to withdraw.