Saints Eye Statement Win in Hostile Bordeaux Test

Northampton Saints are preparing for their first visit to UBB’s iconic Stade Chaban Delmas since the 1997 1998 season and the sense of anticipation is clear. With Sunday’s Round 3 clash looming Director of Rugby Phil Dowson and winger Tommy Freeman are eager for the chance to make a statement on French soil.

Victory would add another notable away success to a Saints side that has built a reputation for thriving on the road. Last season they stunned two giants of the competition with memorable wins away to the Vodacom Bulls by 30 points to 21 and Leinster Rugby in the semi final by 37 points to 34.

Another standout result away from home is exactly what Saints are chasing this weekend at a packed Chaban Delmas.

Reflecting on last season Freeman spoke about what those moments meant to the squad.

“We went to Dublin and South Africa last year and created memories that will stay with us,” he said. “To do something similar in France against Bordeaux would be very special.”

The Bordeaux ground will host its 26th straight sell out with more than 34 thousand supporters expected to generate an intense atmosphere. It is a challenge Freeman is relishing.

“We cannot wait to get started,” he said. “The crowd is loud and passionate and they really let you know you are away from home. That is exactly what you want as a player. This is why we play the game.”

Dowson shared that enthusiasm and pointed to the intrigue surrounding how young flanker Henry Pollock will handle the reception from the home supporters.

“We enjoy travelling to the great rugby venues around the world,” Dowson said. “The players want to test themselves in places like this. It is a full house and a tough environment and Henry Pollock does not tend to be very popular so that will add to the occasion.”

Saints arrive knowing they face a formidable task against a Bordeaux side who have won nine of their last ten matches at home. A win would also serve as a form of redemption after last season’s Final defeat.

However Dowson insists there is no lingering disappointment from that loss.

“There is no bitterness,” he explained. “They were the better team on the day. We chose to celebrate the journey rather than focus on the result. We respect how good they are and now we have a great chance to go to their place and really compete.”

Freeman also stressed that the new campaign represents a fresh start.

“It is a new year and a new competition,” he said. “We learned a lot from that Final and we will bring something different this time. We will go after it with everything we have.”

With a squad capable of matching the quality of Bordeaux stars such as Louis Bielle Biarrey Damian Penaud and Matthieu Jalibert Saints believe they are ready to meet the challenge head on when Sunday finally arrives.