Club vice-captain and centre Aneurin Owen has urged Dragons to grasp the opportunity in the EPCR Challenge Cup as the Men of Gwent prepare for a crunch clash this weekend.
Dragons welcome Section Paloise to Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 3.15pm) with knockout rugby on the line.
Victory over Newcastle Falcons in Round 2 means that Filo Tiatia’s team sit in third place in pool stages – just a point behind the Top 14 visitors this weekend.
A win on home soil – before a trip to Emirates Lions in South Africa in Round 4 – would heighten chances of making the knockouts and Owen is determined that Dragons will make it count against a side that they need little introduction to.
“We’re excited to be back at Rodney Parade. We always look forward to European competition and this is a game with a lot riding on it for us,” he said.
“We’ve played Pau a lot the last few seasons and got to know them quite well. I’m sure they will think the same about us.
“We’ve come out the right side of a few results, so we are looking forward to the challenge and a big game on Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve obviously got Steve (Cummins) with us now, so I am sure he will share his insights into them, but with any French team they can be a little unpredictable.
“They’ve had some notable results in the Top 14 and are also right in the mix in the competition so we can expect them to come strong.
“The Newcastle result was huge, and it is about taking that momentum in the competition and using it,” he added
“You’ve got to back it up and make it count. Hopefully it will springboard us into the Pau game and we can put in a performance that puts us in a good place before we head to South Africa and the Lions.”
Owen admits Dragons will also be keen to impress in front of the home faithful after the disappointment of the New Year’s Day derby loss at Scarlets.
He said: “We all want to get back out on the field after the New Year’s Day defeat. The players know the need to take real responsibility and we have a game at home to try and start putting it right.
“We’re back at Rodney Parade in front of our own fans, they have been great all season and were superb on Boxing Day when they created a special atmosphere.
“The fans at Rodney have been unbelievable - class for every game. We really do love their support and against Pau we need to give them a performance they can get behind.”
Click HERE to buy tickets for the European clash online or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670 690 during office hours.
The Newcastle result was huge, and it is about taking that momentum in the competition and using it...
