The Lions Return: A Crucial Boost for Northampton Saints
In a thrilling twist of fate, the return of the British & Irish Lions players couldn't have come at a better time for Northampton Saints. As the first derby weekend of the season approaches, the team is gearing up for a crucial match against their fierce rivals, Leicester Tigers. With key players like Fin Smith, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell, and Tommy Freeman back in action, Northampton is ready to avenge last season's humiliating 33-0 defeat.
But here's where it gets controversial... The mandatory rest period for the Lions has ended, and teams across the league are welcoming back their stars. For Northampton, this couldn't be more timely. Phil Dowson, the team's coach, has selected Smith, Mitchell, and Freeman to start, with Pollock on the bench, ready to make an impact. The Saints have been hit hard by injuries, and this boost in talent is a much-needed injection of energy and skill.
And this is the part most people miss... Northampton's resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being without almost an entire matchday squad, they've managed to accumulate eight points so far. However, they've also experienced some close calls, letting commanding leads slip against Exeter and almost doing the same against Gloucester. The upcoming match against Leicester has everyone on high alert.
"[Last season's defeat] was a bitter pill to swallow," Dowson admits. "It left a sour taste, and we don't want to repeat that embarrassment. Leicester did a number on us, and it affected our momentum going into the final stretch. But it was also a turning point; our European run improved because of the lessons we learned."
The team has been talking about the derby, the intensity, and the history that comes with it. "We're lucky to have Leicester so close, it adds an extra edge to our training and matches. It's an incredible occasion."
The defeat last season came after the Six Nations pause, and with Freeman and Mitchell rested, the team was missing key elements. As Smith puts it, "It was the quickest I've ever walked down the tunnel. We let ourselves and our fans down, and we won't be repeating that on Saturday. It was an embarrassing moment."
Smith, who has just signed a new contract with Northampton, has an extra incentive to perform. His Lions tour performances were solid, but he aims to challenge Finn Russell for the starting fly-half position and reclaim the England No.10 jersey from George Ford. This presents an interesting dilemma for Dowson.
"Last season, we paid the price for our players' international commitments," Dowson explains. "England benefited, and Saints suffered. Now, with the Lions back, we're in a better position, but in a month, Steve Borthwick will be selecting his England squad for the autumn internationals. It's a delicate balance."
The challenge for Dowson is twofold. He wants his English stars to achieve their Test ambitions while also performing for the club. However, keeping these talented players comes at a financial cost. Teams like Saracens and Exeter have faced similar situations, and Dowson is navigating this delicate path.
"It's a challenge because they're all high-quality, talented, and ambitious players. Their demand and price go up, but they also understand the need for a balanced career. They want a successful team around them, the opportunity to play on the international stage, and to be well-compensated for their efforts. It's a complex equation."
As the Saints prepare for their derby against Leicester, the return of the Lions players provides a much-needed boost. But with the autumn internationals looming, Dowson must manage his squad carefully. Will Northampton be able to avenge their defeat and emerge victorious? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: this derby promises to be an intense and thrilling affair.
