We're ready for big finish, says Millard

HARLEQUINS face the toughest run-in of the Premiership’s top four contenders and director of rugby Billy Millard knows he must shore up his side’s leaky defence.

- BEN JAYCOCK

The league’s entertainers face last season’s finalists Sale next Sunday afternoon at the Salford Stadium before facing Northampton in their big match at Twickenham.

They then face sixthplace Exeter at Sandy Park in the penultimate round – who have lost at home just once in the Premiership this term – before Harlequins finish their regular season at home to top four dark horses Bristol, who are flying off the back of four consecutive wins.

Fourth-place Quins are two points clear of fifth place Bristol as the Premiership enters its final block of games and Millard says his side face four knockout fixtures.

He told The Rugby Paper: “The table is so tight and there’s so many good teams, so not just us but any side that is not on the metal for a period of a game can get themselves into trouble. The four teams we’re playing are all very good, so it’s important we get our preparation right as it’s a big finish to our season.”