Back row James Benjamin wants Dragons to set the tone for the region’s European Challenge Cup campaign when they face Castres Olympique at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Dean Ryan’s men launch the bid for European glory with a tough Pool 1 opener against the Top 14 giants.
Castres are back in the Challenge Cup after three seasons in the Champions Cup and the former French domestic champions will be eager to make a strong impression in the tournament.
Twice runners-up in 1997 and 2000 – losing to Bourgoin and Pau respectively - Castres are coached by former Argentina player Mauricio Reggiardo and boast a squad containing the likes of French international Yann David and Argentina’s World Cup fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta.
Benjamin is well aware of the size of the challenge ahead, but wants Dragons to relish the prospect of a game that would set up any bid for the knockout stages.
“They are a strong team, and strong pack,” said Benjamin, who is set for his 63rd appearance for the region.
“We know what’s going to be coming, with their strong set piece and some nice plays in the backs with some big lads, so we will have to front up.
“The first half will be a huge battle for us and we have to stay in the fight, stay in the arm wrestle and then hopefully wear them down to get the result we want.
“You have to match them in the set piece and you have to match the physicality, but having confidence that we can play is important too,” he added.
“We do take this competition seriously, but in the past we’ve taken the shackles off and we’ve played better.
“We’ve got to match them physically in that first half before we can open our wings hopefully.”
Benjamin is pushing for a starting spot after impressing against Edinburgh and overcoming a hand injury early in the season.
“I’ve had some minutes off the bench after having a knock at the start of the season, so it’s been nice to get back involved,” he said.
“It was a good hit out against Edinburgh last week which was a real tough game, a battle right to the eightieth minute. ‘There is quite a lot of competition in the back row, even with two internationals,” he added.
“It’s the same every year. We see in training some of the younger Academy boys coming through are pushing hard. “They’re certainly putting their hands up so I’m going to have to do the same to get picked.
“To get selected it’s a case of not trying too hard and focusing on the little things. Basics is key, especially in the back row. You don’t want to be throwing it out the back door thirty yards and I’ve probably grown up from when I was younger in my career.
“The foundation for any back rower is to work hard. You want to be able to do all the flashy skills, but some days you turn up and you might have to rub your nose in the mud for 80 minutes.
“As long as you can get that level of performance and the win you don’t care how it comes really.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for the European opener with Castres at Rodney Parade. Click HERE to buy your tickets and get ready for the return of European rugby.
We do take this competition seriously, but in the past we’ve taken the shackles off and we’ve played better...
