'They were after him': Bordeaux-Begles accused of Pollock vendetta
REACTION: The Champions Cup Final was an incredible spectacle in Cardiff.
However, the numerous interventions by match officials and the incident involving the new England sensation Henry Pollock have left the Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson fuming.
The Northampton Saints failed to secure their second Champions Cup title after falling short to Bordeaux-Begles on Saturday in Cardiff.
The English club last lifted a trophy in 2000, but three first-half injuries hampered their attempt to hoist a second.
Winger James Ramm, fullback George Furbank and lock Temo Mayanavanua left the field in the opening half an hour.
In the end, the side suffered a 20-28 defeat.
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“It has a huge impact, it’s not ideal,” director of rugby Phil Dowson told reporters.
“Rambo lasted two minutes and Furbs five, and then Temo got a head knock changes things, at the same time it’s the whole point of having a bench.
“Those guys came and had an impact, which is impressive,” he added.
The game was played at a high intensity despite numerous interventions by the television match official.
Four tries were chalked after being referred to the video referee.
“I think we’ve got to be careful that it doesn’t become too like the NFL in terms of stop-start game,” Dowson.
“We want to play a game that’s open and expansive and so did Bordeaux-Begles.
“We’ve got to make sure that there’s not loads and loads of looking at the screen and showing slow-mo.
“But I’m also conscious that the game has to be safe, and so the high shots have to be checked.
“We want to see a bit more momentum in the game,” the former Saints back-rower added.
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Dowson highlighted an incident he described as “uncalled for and out of order” after Henry Pollock appeared to be grabbed by the throat at the end of the final whistle.
“There was a fracas at the end, there was foul play involved,” Dowson said.
“I have been assured that the touch judge has seen it and will deal with it appropriately.
“Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it because I think it was uncalled for and out of order. He reacted, and the officials have told me that they will deal with it.”
Saints’ England flyhalf Fin Smith said: “They were after him [Pollock]. I don’t think they liked him. He will be alright.
“I remember they [Bordeaux players] all sort of charged at him and were trying to get hold of him.
“I am surprised that if you have just won the European Cup, the first thing you want to do is start a fight with a 20-year-old. I felt that was interesting.”
Saints skipper Fraser Dingwall added: “I don’t think there was bad blood [in the game].
“The only thing that I questioned at times was how much we can constantly have the values of the game applied to things like appealing.
“I think there were a couple of moments where boys potentially didn’t adhere to those things, and that is going to spark a reaction.”
Sources: AFP & PA
