RUGBY UNION: Mills talks up survival fight (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Mills talks up survival fight

10:00am Saturday 23rd March 2013 in Rugby

Jon Mills says London Welsh are confident they can stay up, despite their points deduction.

The Exiles’ captain was in upbeat mood ahead of today’s trip to Gloucester, who are battling for a play-off spot.

Oxford-based Welsh enter the Kingsholm clash six points adrift at the bottom pending the outcome their appeal against a five-point penalty.

But Mills said: “The reason we are bottom has nothing to do with rugby.

“We know we are good enough to stay in this league.

“The performances have got stronger as the season has gone on. One of these days we are going to click.”

Mills has been an ever present at lock in Welsh’s debut Premiership season, often epitomising their battling qualities.

And although the odds seem against Welsh staying up, Mills thinks differently going into their final five games against Gloucester, Bath, Northampton, London Irish and Worcester.

“We are confident enough,” he said. “If you look at the five games we have got left, we got 11 points from them earlier in the season.

“There is no reason why we can’t do that again or better.”

He added: “The passion is the key, we’re fighting for our lives. That’s been the same all season.”

Mills and his teammates are raring to go, having last played on March 3.

“We had a week off and a few of us were able to get away to Egypt,” he said.

“It was great to get a bit of sun on our backs.

“We came back with a spr-ing in our step – it was good to have a bit of a breather.”

Kingsholm, with its ‘Shed’ end, is renowned as one of the most hostile grounds to visit in English rugby, but Mills is relishing the match and has at least one good omen to draw on. “The last time I played there was with London Welsh in a pre-season game and we beat them,” he said.

“That’s what the boys want.”

Another boost for the Exiles’ Welsh players was their country’s RBS Six Nations triumph over England.

“It was a very inspiring performance,” said proud Welshman Mills.

“That was the best 80 minutes I have seen from Wales.

“It certainly inspired me. I am not sure about the English boys!

“It would be great to play like that if we could.”