Saints boss Dowson: 'Points difference is irrelevant if we don't win'

The black, green and gold will go into their Investec Champions Cup pool stage clash with Scarlets (kick-off 3.15pm) knowing what they need to do to secure a top-two spot, which would present them with a home last-16 tie.

That is because the two teams that currently occupy the top two spots in Pool 4, Bristol Bears and Union Bordeaux Bègles, play earlier on Sunday afternoon, at Ashton Gate (kick-off 1pm).

As it stands, Bordeaux are four points ahead of Saints and Bristol are three clear of the black, green and gold.

That means if Saints can grab a bonus-point win this weekend, they will have a real chance of a top two finish, though it could come down to points difference.

Bordeaux are currently plus 64, Bristol are plus 62 and Saints are plus 31.

But Dowson isn't worrying about all of that, instead focusing on what his side need to do to defeat a Scarlets side who have lost each of their three pool-stage matches so far.

“Fundamentally, we know what we need to do, and we'll know with even more detail when the game starts, but actually it doesn't change anything that we are going to do or what we're trying to do,” Dowson said.

“We always go back to the performance element and what part of the game you need to execute if you're Trevor Davison, what part of the game you need to execute if you're Alex Mitchell and so on and so forth.

“It's about what your contribution is going to be because that's the best way to score points and defend points, by doing your job the best you can.”

Dowson added: "I could radio down to the medics and say 'score more points' but the players will have a pretty good understanding that the more, the better and we've just got to try to make sure we pour it on as much as possible.

“But we've also got to take into account that the points difference is irrelevant if we don't win, so the Scarlets will be licking their lips thinking that we're looking at points difference and points, going for corners rather than goals, when my fundamental goal is to win the game.

“I don't think we need to get too carried away with it.

“We'll know what we need to do, but the first thing we need to do is win the game and I don't want to feed any Scarlets narrative that we're already counting how many tries we need to score.”

Scarlets, who are bottom of the United Rugby Championship, having won just two of their eight league matches so far, have pushed Bristol and Section Paloise close in the pool stages.

And Dowson is refusing to underestimate the Welsh side.

“Obviously from a league position point of view, they'll be very disappointed,” the Saints boss said.

“They just brought in Nigel Davies as consultant DOR and he's hugely experienced.

“They've got a great playing group and they've actually had some performances this season that have been very impressive.

“They've always scored points in their games and they were very close for a long period of time against Bordeaux and for a long time against Bristol.

“They've got a tonne of quality and a well-coached forward pack and a backline that can pull strings and create stuff.

“We're under no illusions about the challenge that's coming this weekend.

“I'm conscious they will be coming here with every opportunity to get stuck into us and cause a scene.”