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It's been a dismal Premiership title defence for Northampton. Out of play-off contention with five rounds still to play, their Champions Cup campaign acts as a last-chance saloon for Phil Dowson's men.
It's been a dismal Premiership title defence for Northampton. Out of play-off contention with five rounds still to play, their Champions Cup campaign acts as a last-chance saloon for Phil Dowson's men.
The Saints have put their poor domestic performance to one side in this season's Champions Cup. Last term's semi-final finish was followed up by finishing top of a difficult Pool 3, comprising Castres, Munster, Saracens, Bulls, and Stade Francais.
Favourable knock-out run
Heading into this week's quarter-finals, Northampton are the No.3 seed and host 14th placed Clermont, who have flattered to deceive during recent editions of the showpiece tournament.
A win over Clermont would see the Saints face either Castres or Benetton in the quarter-finals, both winnable.
Second-seed Leinster are on their side of the draw, therefore, we'll likely see a repeat of last year's semi-final. Northampton's young guns were spooked in the early stages at a packed-out Croke Park but grew into the game and frightened the Irish side, losing out only 20-17.
A European Cup run would be just what the doctor ordered for Saints supporters who have grown restless, wondering why their potent backline of last season hasn't clicked into gear this term.
If Harlequins, Glasgow Warriors or Leicester Tigers cause an upset against Leinster, a home semi-final beckons for the Saints and what an atmosphere a sold out Cinch Stadium Franklin's Gardens would provide.
Return of their England stars
Northampton's big guns will surely provide a timely return this weekend, and if they can go one better than last season and reach the big dance in Cardiff, that would go a long way in saving their, so far underwhelming, campaign.