Boosing Henry Pollock is a sign of respect, says Phil Dawson, Northampton Saints chairman

Northampton were forced to make two late substitutions before the game with England fly-half Finn Smith unable to play due to a calf injury – Anthony Bellew took his place despite a serious mouth injury sustained against Harlequins the previous weekend – and a hamstring problem that sidelined James Rahm.

They were also beaten by Danilo Fischetti and center Rory Hutchinson in the first half and there was no way back from a 24-7 half-time deficit, despite having four tries of their own – two of which came from Bullock, who was also booed in the opening pool game at Pau.

“We spent 20 minutes of the first half with 14 men, and that makes it very difficult, especially with the quality they have,” Dawson said.

“That was a tough start and obviously the set piece was under some pressure. But we want to be at the top of the table, and we want to be challenged by these teams because that’s where we’ll learn the most and benefit the most from that.”

Northampton had won their previous five matches in all competitions, but conceded eight tries, including hat-tricks by Salesi Rayasi and Cameron Walke.

However, they are certain of their place in the knockout stage of the competition due to the bonus point they earned in Bordeaux.

“It’s hard to draw conclusions right away, other than to say we weren’t at a certain level in certain areas, and against very good teams, that’s what happens (sometimes).”

“Which [Fischetti sin-binning] Dawson added: “Obviously they gave them a foothold but that’s not necessarily the whole game, there were many times they counter-attacked with turnovers and bits and pieces like that – I don’t think that’s the whole story, obviously disappointing in the first 10-15 minutes – but credit for rectifying that and putting us on a solid footing at set-pieces.”

Northampton occupies third place in Group D and concludes the group stage of the European Champions Cup at home to Scarlets, who have lost all three matches so far, on Sunday (15:15 GMT).

The Saints still have a chance to finish second which would give them a home game in the round of 16.