WE might already be in the quarter-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup but there is no danger of us resting on our laurels for tomorrow’s game against Stade Francais.

It was only when I spoke to my mates after last week’s game against Newcastle that I realised that we had already qualified for the last eight as Pool Three winners.

We were just concentrating on getting the win at Kingston Park and we played some great rugby to earn that with five of our six tries coming in the first half. The 40-29 victory certainly made the coach journey back on the Saturday night a bit easier, something that was a change to the usual routine of flying home.

By the time we kick off at Rodney Parade on Saturday we could already have a home quarter-final but that won’t change our approach.

We are determined to enjoy another good win against strong opposition and to do the double over Stade Francais after our win and great performance in Paris.

Our European form has been our strength this season and a lot of that can be credited to going out with a very positive attacking mentality and it has paid off, especially when you have the likes of Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan to finish those chances off.

It was a great win and, like our Boxing Day victory in Cardiff, was on a fast artificial track. It’s something that we are used to training on most days up at Ystrad Mynach and even though it does affect the bounce of the ball, a firm ground encourages fast, running rugby.

A big theme of the week that we need to back up what we did in Newcastle, something that we have failed to do so far this season.

Our great win at Stade Francais in October was followed by a gutting loss to Newcastle the next weekend and it was the same over the festive period when we beat the Blues at the Arms Park only to be edged out on New Year’s Day.

Stade may not play the likes of Sergio Parisse or Pascal Pape in Europe but we know they are a quality side and what they are capable of. We can’t afford to play into their hands by being too loose and we can’t allow them to be too disruptive.

The performance was excellent in Newcastle last week so we are keen for a repeat in front of you all at Rodney Parade.

It will be the last time that we see three of our players for a few weeks and while it’s become obvious that Toby Faletau will get the call for Wales every Six Nations it’s great that he will be joined by Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan.

They are both really talented players with that X factor and ability to make things happen out of nothing and their selection shows that the system is working... perhaps Hallam can thank me, Hugh Gustafson and Jason Tovey for their early progression!

He was one of the Dragons Under-16s that we coached a few years back along with Jack Dixon, James Benjamin and Scott Matthews.

Hallam and Jack were quickly called up to the seniors and made their debuts at 16 in the Anglo-Welsh Cup at Wasps. It was clear that they had the talent but they just had to show it at a higher level, something that they have done and it’s great to see them developing.

I am a WRU level three coach, I enjoy it and trying to help players progress. Hopefully it’s something that I can do when I eventually hang up my boots.