>> Dowson: Courtney needs a summer off
COURTNEY Lawes is among a number of jaded English Lions who would benefit from a full summer off, according to Northampton defence coach Phil Dowson.
England’s disappointing Six Nations has raised concerns over ‘Lions fatigue’ and whilst few players would ever admit to not wanting to tour South Africa this June, Dowson believes Red Rose boss Eddie Jones should take the decision out of their hands.
Whilst Jones will be keen to snap a three-match losing streak, Dowson insists there is more to be gained from resting established stars like Lawes, Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and Mako Vunipola and giving other players a chance to stake their claims.
Dowson, right, told The Rugby Paper: “I think Eddie has to rest a few and give other guys a chance after the Six Nations. The Lions guys have been playing and training flat out for two seasons without having a tonne of rest so it does give him an opportunity to do that.
“I think that would be great, especially in a physical, nasty environment like South Africa. It’s a tough place to go but I think Eddie would get a load more out of looking at other players in a different environment rather than going with the same guys.
“Does Eddie learn any more about Courtney Lawes by taking him to South Africa? Or does he take someone like a Dom Barrow or Will Spencer, who are on the periphery and he may want to have a look at to know he’s covered all bases ahead of a World Cup?
“The autumn internationals will then come along and Courtney will be fit and fresh, but will one of those other guys put his hand up in South Africa to be considered?
“Eddie might pick ‘Courts’ for South Africa because he wants to get as much game time into those guys who are going to be his first graders next year, but only Eddie knows that. Personally, I think there’d be more benefit in giving some guys a rest.”
Meanwhile, Dowson is convinced Northampton will recover from a “tumultuous” campaign to become a Premiership powerhouse again under new boss Chris Boyd.
Saints will not make the Champions Cup next season and Dowson, in his first year of full-time coaching, said: “It’s been a brutal season with Jim Mallinder leaving, which was so disappointing to see because he was my director of rugby and a mentor.
“But that’s brought me into contact with Alan Gaffney, who has a different style and different thoughts, and it’s been great having him at my shoulder.
“I’m excited about Chris Boyd coming over and, having spoken to him recently, I was really impressed. He’s really fired up for the challenge and what he said about the future resonated with me and I think the players will respond to him as well.”
Dowson added: “Not being in the Champions Cup next season is disappointing, but I don’t think being in the Challenge Cup is the end of the world. There’s slightly less stress and pressure around it so you get an opportunity to blood some new players.
“This season has obviously been hugely disappointing – tumultuous is the polite way of putting it – but it doesn’t necessarily represent the talent of our coaching and playing staff. There’s a big opportunity now to build momentum for next year.”