Joe Davies is targeting a European double as Dragons RFC head to France and the intimidating surroundings of Stade de Hameau to face Section Paloise this Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm UK time).
The Men of Gwent are looking to make it two from two in the EPCR Challenge Cup as they bid to back-up the bonus point win over Oyonnax this weekend.
Dai Flanagan’s men tasted victory in Pau last season - but this time face one of the in-form Top 14 sides who are yet to lose on home soil all season.
However, for Davies it is another opportunity for Dragons to build and impress with the festive derby games also just around the corner.
“We put in a good performance out in Pau last year, but it's going to be a tough place to go. They've not lost at home this season,” said Davies.
“We've got to go there, try and backup our performance from last weekend and keep building into the Christmas derbies.
“It was tough going in that first half against Oyonnax in those conditions last week,” he added.
“We knew how hard it was to get out of your own half with that wind, so we knew second half, with the conditions and rain, we were going to capitalise eventually. We just stuck with it into that last five minutes.
“You never know what they're going to come with, especially with French teams, but being at home and then back in Top 14 action next week, you'd expect them to go strong.
“They’ve not lost at home, so they'll want to keep that up, no matter what the competition. But we're going to go and try and back up a good performance.”
Davies was the unlucky hero last weekend as his score five minutes from time sparked a try burst as Dragons wrapped up a bonus point win.
It was also his first try for the club after an epic 10 years of service and 120 senior games.
“It was certainly a great moment,” smiled Davies. “I was just there to carry; I wasn’t expecting to go and score a try.
“Suddenly the try line appeared - so I just put the ball down.
“It took me 120 games, but I finally got over the whitewash!
“I didn't really know what to do when I scored. I thought in my head that I had a celebration ready, but I did not have one ready.
“I might have to shine the boots up now because they were brand new ones and so they worked well!”
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I didn't really know what to do when I scored. I thought in my head that I had a celebration ready, but I did not have one ready!
