Millard praises Dombrandt’s response to England snub as Quins beat Chiefs – ‘He’s our talisman’

Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard heaped praise on Alex Dombrandt for bouncing back from the disappointment of being left out of the England World Cup squad to lead his side to a hard-fought first victory of this season’s Gallagher Premiership.

Millard admitted missing out on selection by Steve Borthwick took its toll on the 26-year-old but that he’s turned that into motivation to perform for his club.

“He’s been awesome,” Millard said, live on TNT Sports. “Yeah, he’s struggled for a few weeks, but I think the last two weeks, he’s keeping his head square in the carry.

“And he leads in a pretty unique way. He’s our talisman and he’s only young and he’s getting better and better.

“That experience with England has really made him have a look at himself and come back and he’s performing really well.”

TNT Sports pundit and former England international Alex Goode was also impressed with how Dombrandt has stepped up in the absence of Joe Marler and Danny Care, both of whom travelled to France with the national team.

“I think it’s really important for those guys who were younger guys be