Last Sunday witnessed the black, green, and gold deliver their most comprehensive performance of the season, securing a bonus-point 34-19 victory against Exeter Chiefs—marking Saints’ third consecutive win in the Gallagher Premiership. Despite this success, Director of Rugby, Dowson, cautions against complacency, emphasizing the imminent challenge awaiting them against Leicester this weekend.
Dowson acknowledges the positive mood in the camp but urges the team to stay grounded, emphasizing the need to recognize the demanding nature of the upcoming fixture. Regarding the atmosphere, Dowson commented, “Pretty good, but we need to keep our feet on the floor and understand the challenge that awaits us.” Anticipating a rigorous encounter at Welford Road, Dowson stresses the importance of not getting carried away and maintaining focus on the fundamental aspects of their game.
Having played in numerous East Midlands derbies himself, Dowson aims to impart wisdom to his players, emphasizing the significance of self-awareness amidst the heightened intensity of such matchups. He underscores the team’s responsibility to be in the right mental state for games of such magnitude, particularly when played away from home.
Highlighting Saints’ evolving all-court style evident in their recent victory against Exeter, Dowson attributes this progress to the collective effort of players over the past few years. He emphasizes the long-term nature of the project, with consistent messaging from the coaching group, including himself and head coach Chris Boyd. Dowson points out that the team’s current success is a result of learning from past experiences, demonstrating maturity and resilience gained from overcoming challenges.
In summary, Dowson emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus, self-awareness, and adherence to the fundamental aspects of their game as the team prepares for a challenging encounter against Leicester, despite the recent string of victories showcasing their evolving playing style.
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