'He's not afraid to be who he is' - Dowson backs Pollock ahead of Bordeaux clash

Pollock will inevitably hog the headlines in the build-up to the battle with Bordeaux as he was targeted by the French team at the full-time whistle of the Investec Champions Cup final in Cardiff last season, earning prop Jefferson Poirot a two-week ban after he grabbed the Saints star around the neck.

Some Bordeaux players and staff were later pictured mocking Pollock as they mimicked his trademark try celebration during their Champions Cup party.

And the England and British & Irish Lions star is expected to enjoy a less than warm welcome at Stade Chaban-Delmas on Sunday as Saints take on Bordeaux for the first time since last season's showpiece.

However, Pollock is now used to opposition fans giving him stick as he has been booed at away grounds in recent months, including at Section Paloise and Bath.

The incredibly talented 20-year-old even took to Instagram to post 'I'd boo me too' after the win in Pau, and Dowson feels his player can handle the heat this weekend.

"He quite enjoys that role and I hope it doesn't distract him from what he's trying to do because we want him to tackle, run, get his hands on the ball and make good decisions so I hope it doesn't detract from that," Dowson said.

"But you've seen it on the Lions stage, you've seen it on the international stage, he's not afraid to be who he is so I think he's actually quite looking forward to that feedback."

Dowson added: "Certainly everyone outside of England has always disliked him.

"The Welsh, when he comes on and starts giving it tons in his first international, I'd be amazed if they were like 'he looks like a good lad'.

"As Henry matures he's going to have to take these occasions on.

"What are the options? You don't pick him because the crowd's going to be vociferous?

"He's going to have to go into that with an expectation of how he's going to be received but also with an understanding that if you make those noises, you're going to get that reaction.

"The most important thing, is how you play, because they might hate you, but at some point they'll respect you because you're so good.

"Loads of people didn't like David Beckham, loads of people didn't like Owen Farrell, but more often than not it was because they were really good.

"Loads of people don't like Tom Brady... fairly successful.

"People wouldn't be that emotionally ingrained if he wasn't very good.

"He is very good and he's got to continue to be that."

Pollock's heroics helped his side to go all the way to the Cardiff showpiece last season, but injury-hit Saints eventually lost 28-20 to Bordeaux.

"I wouldn't necessarily count losing in the final as a huge setback," Dowson said. "Yes, it's disappointing but losing 28-20 against the best side in Europe last season, with what they brought to the table, I don't think that was a massive setback.

"We were disappointed after the game and it was a morgue in the changing room but if you're playing finals, that is going to happen.

"With regard to their celebrations and stuff, I think it speaks volumes to the impact he's had on the game.

"He's only played two years of professional rugby, and the first year he played one game against Leicester off the bench.

"He's had one year really, and that's the reaction he gets. That's how enigmatic he's been and I don't think that's a bad thing for the sport.

"I go back to the same thing and it's about Henry worrying about his performance. We don't need to worry too much about people celebrating like him.

"Imitation is the greatest form of flattery."

So how prepared is Pollock for what he will encounter in Bordeaux this weekend?

"From my conversations with him, I know he's thought about this game and he understands what he's walking into," Dowson said.

"We've made it clear to him that it's going to be ugly, but when you grow up, those are the environments you want to be in. You do want to be in the lion's den.

"Sometimes you want to be playing at Saints and everyone's behind you and clapping you, but sometimes you want to be hated.

"From a personal experience, some of my most enjoyable games have been Ulster away, Leinster at the Aviva, going to Castres and winning in France – they're great memories and we want to try to create another one of those."