Loosehead prop Millar (24) has taken over as skipper for Otago for tomorrow's match against Auckland at Eden Park, while regular captain Lima Coltman is laid up with injured ribs.
Millar is no stranger to captaincy, having led his club side Pirates for the past few years.
The trained accountant is a man who will guide from the front, wanting to get Otago into the winner's circle and in contention for the championship semifinals.
''Obviously, we haven't been dealt the best set of cards, with the tough draw. Then we've had a few injuries to some key personnel,'' he said.
''But come nearer the middle and the end of the season we should see the benefits of playing these high premiership teams.
''We've only been beaten by a couple of tries against the likes of Tasman and Hawkes Bay. We need to be able to take things from these games.''
Millar said the matches against top line opposition was about realising the match was like any other and the opposition was human.
''Everyone here mentally has to be able to handle the pressure of the occasion. Every guy is the same. You're still playing with the same ball.''
His Super rugby experience in 2014 taught him to keep working hard and doing the core roles.
''I think you've just got to play instinctive. Do what you've always been doing. We've got some pretty talented guys in this team. It's just about making it click.
''That is something we have talked about since the Tasman game. Individuals have got to step up. Making good judgements ... getting all the parts working together.''
Millar had a standout year for Otago in 2013 and worked his way into the Highlanders side for 2014.
He played four games but dislocated his left shoulder when making a tackle against Sharks in Durban and that put him off the field for the rest of 2014.
''There were a few different options to look at, but in the end I had the operation. I think if I hadn't done the operation then I would have always been thinking about it.
''It was really disappointing. I was loving being in the Highlanders. It was great being in South Africa. But I had to come home while the rest of the team stayed there.''
Millar had a lengthy stint on the sidelines, making sure his shoulder was completely right. He came back through club rugby this year and the shoulder has been fine.
''The fitness is pretty good. I managed to put on a bit of weight, up now to 116kg. That is about what I think it needs to be. That is where I think you can make an impact but can still get round the field.''
Auckland is a tough debut in the captaincy role for Millar.
The men from the City of Sails have plenty of X-factor in their side and Otago needs to stay strong at the start of the match.
Otago was too sloppy in the match last week against Tasman. It simply has to eliminate the dropped balls, keep the poor kicks out of its game and then tackle the big Auckland ball-runners.
It will miss captain Coltman and his ability around the ruck.
Faced with adversity Otago must rise above it.
Let Auckland run and the side will eat you alive.
But knock the home side down again and again and they will not come back for more. Auckland played midweek against Manawatu and has picked a strong looking side.
Showers are forecast for Auckland tomorrow.
Otago v Auckland
Auckland, tomorrow, 2.35pm
Otago: Tony Ensor, Jayden Spence, Matt Faddes, Michael Collins, Jack Wilson, Fletcher Smith, Josh Renton, Mika Mafi, Adam Knight, Naulia Dawai, Tom Franklin, Blair Tweed, Hisa Sasagi, Sam Anderson-Heather, Craig Millar (captain).
Reserves: Sekonaia Pole, Donald Brighouse, Aki Seiuli, Josh Dickson, Dillon Hunt, Kaide Whiting, Sio Tomkinson, Tei Walden.
Referee: Brett Johnson (Bay of Plenty)
