Hooker James Benjamin insists Dragons are aware of the ‘magnitude’ of upcoming games in the EPCR Challenge Cup as the club bids for knockout rugby.
Benjamin starts in the two jersey as the Men of Gwent face Zebre Parma at Stadio Lanfranchi on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.15pm).
Dragons go into the game in third place in Pool 1 and knowing victory in Italy will put one foot in the knockout stages.
And Benjamin is keen for Dragons to grasp the opportunity to set up another famous European clash in the last 16 at Rodney Parade.
“We’ve got a tough test in Zebre and it’s another massive opportunity for us in this European competition to gain a home last 16 tie,” he said.
“They are massive occasions in Europe, huge games against French sides or the Italians or the English. You revel in those big games, and they don't come around too often. When you have an opportunity to be a part of a game like that it is massive.
“I don't think we change our mindset too much really. We know the amount on this game and if we get a win, it'll certainly help us maybe get a home last 16 ties - that'll be massive for us and the club.
“We know the magnitude of this and it's another chance to get back-to-back wins and create some momentum for the back end of the season.
“To get a home knockout game would be huge for the club and a great occasion - whoever we draw,” he added. “That is huge for us, but we are just fully focussed on Zebre this week.
“We’ve had a long hard look at Zebre, and they are incredibly strong at set piece, that is somewhere they try and get a foothold in the game. We must match that and try and better that as much as we can.
“It’s an away game so we need to be smart with how we play, certainly for the first 50 minutes, and make sure we're in the game as we get to the latter stages and take the chances when they come.”
Tickets for the clash with Hollywoodbets Sharks in Europe - as we bid to make it four home wins on the bounce - are on sale NOW by clicking HERE or by calling 01633 670690.
We’ve got a tough test in Zebre and it’s another massive opportunity for us in this European competition to gain a home last 16 tie...
