Dowson hails squad depth as Saints sign off with Falcons win

Phil Dowson praised the strength of his squad as a much-changed Northampton Saints signed off ahead of the Six Nations break with a 38-13 victory over Newcastle Falcons.

Entering their final competitive fixture for nearly eight weeks without seven players away on England duty, the men in Black, Green and Gold overcame a spirited effort from the Gallagher Premiership’s bottom club to claim a tenth successive victory in all competitions.

Director of Rugby Dowson handed a debut on the wing to new signing Gabriel Hamer-Webb and a first start to fly-half Charlie Savala in an unfamiliar backs division, but ultimately Saints got the job done scoring three tries in each half to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

“It was a credit to those guys stepping in,” said Dowson. “It is nice to have that balance where you’ve got seasoned internationals playing alongside guys who are making their debuts or first few games for the Club. I think that balance was important with guys stepping in. 

Saints’ lead was only six points at the break as Adam Radwan’s try and eight points from Falcons fly-half Louie Johnson threatened to cause an upset at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

But Saints steered clear of a first loss since November with an efficient second half, conceding no further points for a ninth win of the league season.

“We grew into the game in terms of our confidence and our ability to repeat defensive sets,” added Dowson. “We were never perfect but we don’t lack for grit and determination.

“Taking opportunities fundamentally was the difference. If we has gone behind it would’ve been a different game.”

Saints’ lead was only six points at the break as Adam Radwan’s try and eight points from Falcons fly-half Louie Johnson threatened to cause an upset at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

But Saints steered clear of a first loss since November with an efficient second half, conceding no further points for a ninth win of the league season.

“We grew into the game in terms of our confidence and our ability to repeat defensive sets,” added Dowson. “We were never perfect but we don’t lack for grit and determination.

“Taking opportunities fundamentally was the difference. If we has gone behind it would’ve been a different game.”

Saints’ next fixtures are exhibition games against DHL Stormers (9 March) and Sale Sharks (15 March) before getting back to league action on 22 March away at Bristol Bears.

Those not on international duty will enjoy some time off, before  the squad regroups challenging for silverware domestically, and in Europe.

“I think the break has come at the right time to be honest in terms of the energy levels and it is a long run of games, back to back,” said Dowson. “We have got to make sure we try and recreate that momentum on the other side of the Six Nations, make sure that this little block here is about us getting better and sharpening up the things we need to be better at, but also understanding what has made us successful to this point.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the lads in terms of the effort they’ve put in over this last three months.”