'He's a magnificent player' - Bordeaux coach praises Saints star Pollock

Pollock was loudly booed before and during the Investec Champions Cup pool-stage clash, having been painted as the pantomime villain after events surrounding last season's final.

However, the Saints back row forward didn't let the ire of the French fans bother him as he produced a two-try showing that included a sublime chip-and-chase score during the first half.

Pollock booted the ball into the crowd after performing a swallow dive, upsetting the home supporters, but he eventually drew the respect of many of them for his sterling performance under huge pressure.

And McNamara was extremely impressed with the incredibly talented Saints ace.

"It's kind of pantomime villain stuff," McNamara said.

"He's a magnificent player and that's where it starts and ends for me.

"Here at UBB, we encourage players to show themselves, be the best of themselves, bring the best of themselves, be an individual, bring their individuality into the collective - and he does that magnificently.

"The first try, to have a No.8 that has a little chip over the top with his left foot and then has the gas to gas Damian Penaud is pretty special.

"So in terms of the crowd stuff, I love it. There's loads of people in the past who have come to France and it's a difficult place to come.

"To do what he did today says a lot about him.

"I would prefer that he wasn't booed, but I think it adds a little bit to it.

"For him, it's never change, be yourself, be the best of yourself and ultimately he will be judged on his ability as a rugby player. All the other stuff will become peripheral: the TikTok, all the stuff with the crowd.

"Last season we had a couple of instances with our players who embraced it over at Ulster and here against Munster as well so it's awesome.

"It brings some profile to the game and that's exactly what we need. We need characters, we need individuality but above all, we need good rugby players - and he really is one!"