Phil Dowson believes Northampton Saints’ journey in the Investec Champions Cup this term shows how far his side have ‘pushed on’ in recent years.
The men in Black, Green and Gold take on Vodacom Bulls at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in the quarter-final on Saturday (kick-off: 8pm), after overcoming Munster last weekend.
The 24-14 victory over the Irish province extended Saints’ unbeaten run in the competition this term, after emerging from the pool stages unbeaten – defeating Toulon, Glasgow Warriors, Bayonne and Munster along the way.
“Some of our performances in Europe this season have shown where we have got to, both from a technical point of view with our defence, and from an emotional point of view and a maturity point of view,” said Director of Rugby, Dowson.
“I don’t think the game last weekend was a particular tipping point but I think when you are up at Glasgow, who have a very, very good home record, when you go away at Munster, when you play Toulon here, I think that spoke a lot about the group and how much they have pushed on in the past couple of years.”
Saints were roared on by a sold-out Gardens last weekend and the atmosphere was not lost on Dowson, whose side are on a nine-game winning run in front of their own supporters.
“I think the Munster fans played their part in how many came across and how loud they were,” he said.
“Every time we get a full house here, the noise is unbelievable and it is a great place to come and play rugby. We’re very fortunate to play here every other week.”
Phil Dowson, Director of Rugby
The Pretoria-based Bulls booked their place in the last eight with a big victory away in Lyon, and are a club that Dowson has first-hand experience of.
He explained: “They have a very, very rich history. I went to spend a week with John Mitchell when he was there and rugby is religion out there.
“They’re a group who have huge heritage and are keen to establish themselves in that same vein.
“They’ve produced a tonne of incredible players in the past and they will no doubt continue to do that. They’ve got their own style and you can watch three or four games and get the idea (of what they will be like).
“We’ll always look for advice and try to find ways to be better, but the game doesn’t lie so you can watch a few games and see what a good outfit they are.
“From our own point of view, it’s the same stuff as always – but the threats Bulls bring to the table are a very powerful forward pack, their maul game is incredibly strong, they create loads of opportunities from scrum and maul in terms of penalties and chances to play.”
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