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Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson believes Cardiff would love nothing more this weekend than to travel to the home of the English champions and claim a shock victory in the Champions Cup.
Saints began the defense of their Gallagher PREM title with two wins and a loss, identical to Cardiff’s record in the United Rugby Championship, but scored 90 more points: 156 to Wales’ 66.
Sunday’s clash will be the first between the teams in 16 years, since the 2010/11 season in which the Saints reached the final.
Saints then did the double over Cardiff, securing a 23-15 win at the DPD Stadium in Franklin’s Gardens and a 23-19 win at Cardiff City Stadium a week later.
“Cardiff is a club with a huge heritage. I remember that game 16 years ago; it was a very nasty and moody affair. I think we were at home last week. There was no love lost and it was a good game. I remember those games fondly,” said Dowson.
“Every time an English and Welsh side go head-to-head, I think the players are well aware of the history and heritage. The Welsh should love nothing more than to come and smash us. I’m not squeamish about that.”
“I don’t think it’s lost, but that’s my personal opinion, and I think the rivalry between England and Wales is still very real. We’d love to win it (the Champions Cup), but I’m also not stupid and I know how difficult it is.”
“It’s difficult because of the quality of the players and the teams in it. We can talk about budgets and that, but basically we have a lot of international – French, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Italian players – all in one pot.”
“I feel like we’ve proven that by getting to knockout games a lot and winning away from home in tough places.”
