Lock Matthew Screech is looking forward to an ‘amazing’ atmosphere in France when Dragons face Castres Olympique in a huge Pool 1 showdown in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday (kick-off 2pm UK time).
Dean Ryan’s men – who have made the semi-finals of the competition in 2015 and 2016 – know victory at Stade Pierre-Fabre would secure top spot in qualifying.
Dragons have previously won three times on French soil – Bayonne in 2007, Stade Francais in 2014 and Pau in 2015 – but face a stern test against a Castres side who have not lost at home in European competition since 2015.
And for Screech it is a game to relish after his previous experience against the same opposition three years ago.
"They have a good record at home and it will be a tough game, as it was four years ago when we lost by a few points," said the 27-year-old, who started in the 32-29 defeat.
"I remember doing the warm-up and I couldn't hear what Cory (Hill) was saying when he was calling the lineouts because they were so loud.
"I am expecting the same again and I'm looking to enjoy it. It's one of those occasions, like Clermont Auvergne last season, in stadiums that you love playing in.
"They are big up front, aggressive and the crowd is always amazing. When you walk into the stadium there are thousands of people around like an international game.
"I love every time we go there and we have always tended to do quite well in those games in France.
“It's a little bit different and freshens it up, they are great occasions and games like Pau and Stade Francais stick in my mind. They are games you want to be a part of.
"Every time you play a French team they are big boys,” he added.
“You know what you are going to get from them, it's straight down your throat from the forwards so it's about fronting up as we have been doing," he said.
"We have put ourselves in a good position in the group with two games to go. We are gunning for the win."
Dragons go onto the Euro game on the back of a positive festive schedule that saw victories over Scarlets and Ospreys. And Screech believes the team can take that confidence and momentum to the south of France.
"The boys have done really well and have bought into what Dean has brought here," he said.
"We have had a good few 50/50 games and in the past we have lost them, we are showing character and have come on leaps and bounds.
"I can see us getting better and better, but Dean keeps us grounded and it's totally different to what we have had in the past.
"He obviously knows how to run a professional team and is running it really well at the moment. He is an experienced man and exactly what we needed."
I remember doing the warm-up and I couldn't hear what Cory was saying when he was calling the lineouts because they were so loud...
