Northampton Saints are preparing to walk into one of the most hostile atmospheres in European rugby this weekend as they face Bordeaux-Bègles in a highly charged Investec Champions Cup encounter. Saints head coach Phil Dowson insists his side will not only cope with the intense hostility inside the sold-out Stade Chaban-Delmas, but will actively relish it.

The match is a rematch of last season’s ill-tempered Champions Cup final, where Bordeaux defeated Northampton 28-20 in Cardiff. That encounter ended in controversy, with Saints back-row star Henry Pollock at the centre of a heated post-match confrontation that has ensured he remains a lightning rod for French supporters.

Pollock Set for Hostile Reception in Bordeaux

Dowson expects the atmosphere to be fuelled by strong emotions, particularly directed toward Pollock, who will turn 21 next week. The England international has been a focal point of Bordeaux fans’ ire ever since last season’s final, where clashes at the final whistle spilled into celebrations that mocked the young flanker.

“It’s a great stadium with 34,000 people, it’s a sell-out, and everyone hates Henry Pollock,” Dowson said. “That’s going to create an exciting atmosphere.

“They always go quite big at home. We’re looking forward to it and we want to relish it. We won’t care when they boo Pollock, and neither will he. He likes those environments.”

Dowson added that Pollock thrives under pressure and enjoys testing himself in the most intense conditions European rugby can offer.

“I think he likes to measure himself in the lion’s den, and that will certainly be what’s welcoming us this weekend,” he said.

Fallout from Last Season’s Final Still Lingers

The bad blood stems from scenes after last season’s Champions Cup final, where a group of Bordeaux players confronted Pollock at full-time. In the days that followed, Bordeaux players were seen mocking Pollock’s trademark ‘pulse-check’ celebration on social media, while a homemade sign referencing the flanker was displayed during the club’s victory parade.

Fly-half Mathieu Jalibert also accused Northampton of showing a lack of respect, further escalating tensions between the two clubs.

Dowson previously described the confrontation as “out of order” but insists Northampton are not using the incident as emotional fuel this time around.

“I think you’re always disappointed after a final and they have the privilege to celebrate however they want to,” Dowson told BBC Radio Northampton. “I gave them credit then and I still would now.

“Our focus is on preparing properly for this game, not re-analysing what happened last season.”

Saints Look to Shed ‘Underdog’ Label

Northampton’s run to last year’s final was built on remarkable away victories, including a win over the Bulls at altitude in Pretoria and a stunning semi-final success against Leinster at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

Despite that pedigree, Bordeaux enter Sunday’s clash as favourites, having won seven of their eight home games this season.

Saints winger Tommy Freeman believes it is time for Northampton to change how they are perceived.

“We’ve always had that young team narrative,” the 24-year-old England international said. “But the narrative’s got to change.

“We’re physical. You’ve seen that over the last few weeks, how physical the forwards are. We get underdog status probably a bit too much.”

Freeman says the squad is actively working to redefine their identity.

“We’re trying to change the mindset to ‘we’re the big dogs and this is what we’re going to do’. We need to puff our chests out and rip in.”

Bordeaux Determined to Defend Home Fortress

Former London Irish lock Adam Coleman, now with Bordeaux-Bègles, scored in last season’s final and believes both sides will be highly motivated by their shared history.

“It’s a much-anticipated match,” Coleman said. “Northampton are very expansive, they play at high tempo and try to run you off your feet.

“Last year’s win was incredible for the club and the whole city. Getting that first star on the jersey after building for 20 years was special.”

Coleman added that while there had been media attention surrounding last season’s fallout, it will count for little once the match begins.

“When the whistle goes, that means nothing. There were words said, but it’s irrelevant now.”

High Stakes in a European Heavyweight Clash

With emotions running high, a hostile crowd expected, and two ambitious clubs eager to assert dominance in Europe, Sunday’s showdown promises to be one of the most compelling fixtures of the Champions Cup weekend.

For Northampton, it is a chance to prove they can thrive in adversity. For Bordeaux, it is an opportunity to reinforce their growing reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable home sides.