'He does things other people can't do' - Dowson salutes Saints lock JJ
Phil Dowson has hailed the impact JJ van der Mescht has made on and off the pitch since joining Saints from Stade Français during the summer.
The South African lock has already become a big hit with the black, green and gold supporters thanks to his brilliant start to life at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.
Van der Mescht's physicality has been through the roof as he continues to take the fight to opposition teams.
At Tuesday night's Saints supporter forum, Dowson was asked whether he expected the powerhouse 26-year-old lock to have such a big impact so soon in Northampton.
And the director of rugby said: "In a word - yes. He had huge pedigree and we knew what he was capable of.
"He didn't feel he was necessarily getting what he needed at Stade and wasn't doing as much on the pitch as we felt he was capable of doing so what we've given him here is the opportunity to get that back.
"To play regularly was probably the thing he needed most and he does things other people can't do - he punches holes in lines and stuff.
"He's also been really good within the environment within the squad, he's a different character – you can tell by his hair do!
"But he's also been brilliant in the fact that he's living out Towcester way and been coaching at Towcestrians Rugby Club.
"They emailed the club last week to say what a fantastic job he's doing coaching the youngsters, coaching the first team, getting stuck in – I'm sure he's helping behind the bar!
"We saw what potential he had and we felt he'd make a big difference to us, but you never know what that's going to look like until somebody comes in."