Phil Dowson believes Lawes is 'absolute gold' as his emotional base level is key to his performance

Courtney Lawes is Northampton’s emotional leader, maintaining the right levels from week to week to sustain a twin title bid this season.

EMOTIONAL LEADER: Courtney Lawes is Northampton’s emotional leader, maintaining the right levels from week to week to sustain a twin title bid this season.

Not that tomorrow’s Champions Cup knockout clash between Northampton Saints and Munster needs spicing up in any way but the latest renewal of rivalries gives us the chance to witness a truly gladiatorial head-to-head between back-row warriors Courtney Lawes and Peter O’Mahony.

Figureheads for their clubs and countries alike, tomorrow’s starting blindside flankers are in the twilights of their playing careers born seven months apart in 1989 yet still contributing massively to their respective causes.