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Northampton is hardly the most glamorous destination in the world, but its club provides plenty of thrills and drama.

In a place known for shoe production, you would think punting to be the Northampton's primary strategy. Yet under head coach Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Despite embodying a quintessentially English community, they exhibit a panache synonymous with the greatest French masters of attacking rugby.

From the time Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty assumed control in 2022, Northampton have claimed victory in the English top flight and progressed well in the continental tournament – beaten by their Gallic opponents in last season’s final and ousted by Dublin-based club in a penultimate round earlier.

They lead the competition ladder after four wins and a draw and visit their West Country rivals on Saturday as the only unbeaten side, aiming for a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be expected to think Dowson, who featured in 262 top-flight matches for various teams combined, always planned to be a manager.

“As a professional, I hadn't given it much thought,” he remarks. “However as you get older, you comprehend how much you love the game, and what the real world entails. I worked briefly at a financial institution doing work experience. You travel to work a several occasions, and it was difficult – you grasp what you have going for you.”

Talks with club legends led to a job at Northampton. Fast-forward eight years and Dowson manages a team increasingly crammed with internationals: key individuals lined up for the national side against the the Kiwis two weeks ago.

The young flanker also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's perfect autumn while the fly-half, down the line, will inherit the fly-half role.

Is the development of this remarkable cohort because of the club's environment, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” says Dowson. “I’d credit the former director of rugby, who thrust them into action, and we had some tough days. But the exposure they had as a group is definitely one of the causes they are so united and so talented.”

Dowson also cites his predecessor, another predecessor at the club's home, as a major influence. “It was my good fortune to be mentored by highly engaging people,” he notes. “He had a significant influence on my career, my management style, how I deal with others.”

The team execute entertaining rugby, which was clearly evident in the example of their new signing. The import was involved with the opposing team beaten in the European competition in April when Freeman registered a three tries. The player admired the style sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players joining Top 14 sides.

“A friend called me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s in search of a club,’” Dowson explains. “I said: ‘We don’t have money for a overseas star. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He wants a fresh start, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact informed me. That caught my attention. We met with him and his communication was outstanding, he was eloquent, he had a witty personality.

“We questioned: ‘What are your goals from this?’ He said to be coached, to be driven, to be outside his comfort zone and outside the domestic competition. I was thinking: ‘Join us, you’re a great person.’ And he turned out to be. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson states the emerging the flanker offers a specific energy. Has he coached an individual like him? “No,” Dowson responds. “Each person is unique but Pollock is distinct and special in multiple respects. He’s unafraid to be authentic.”

His spectacular touchdown against their opponents last season showcased his unusual ability, but various his demonstrative on-field antics have resulted in accusations of overconfidence.

“He sometimes appears arrogant in his behavior, but he’s the opposite,” Dowson says. “Plus Henry’s being serious all the time. Game-wise he has contributions – he’s not a clown. I think on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and a positive influence within the team.”

Hardly any managers would claim to have having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson characterizes his partnership with Sam Vesty.

“We both possess an inquisitiveness around diverse subjects,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore various elements, wants to know all there is, aims to encounter new experiences, and I believe I’m the alike.

“We discuss numerous subjects away from the sport: films, books, thoughts, culture. When we faced our French rivals in the past season, the cathedral was undergoing restoration, so we had a brief exploration.”

One more date in Gall is approaching: The Saints' comeback with the domestic league will be temporary because the continental event kicks in shortly. The French side, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, are the opening fixture on Sunday week before the South African team visit the following weekend.

“I refuse to be overconfident sufficiently to {