WING Matthew Pewtner insists struggling Newport Gwent Dragons aren't intimidated by Saturday's European Rugby Challenge Cup opener at Stade Francais – they are relishing the chance to have a crack at the in-form Parisians.

The Pool Three encounter at the Stade Jean Bouin appears to be a mismatch as the hosts had made a super start to the Top 14 and are unbeaten on their own turf while the visitors are hideously out of form and have endured a terrible opening to the Guinness Pro12.

The Dragons are never the best of travellers but their record across the Channel makes especially grim reading. They have lost 11 of 12 games, their sole success being at Bayonne in 2007, with an average defeat of 31-14.

Stade Francais, the Dragons' first French opponents in January of 2004, sit fifth in the Top 14 courtesy of their weekend derby win against city rivals Racing Metro.

The Parisians, whose management team includes former Newport favourite Simon Raiwalui, may see Europe as an unwanted distraction but have still been priced by the bookies as favourites to win the second-tier competition.

"Our coaches have said that they are probably in the top 10 in Europe and it's exciting to go over there and measure ourselves against them individually and as a team," said wing Pewtner.

"We can go there with no fear, have a go at them and see what we are made of. We have got nothing to lose and just want to get stuck into them.

"We are in a bit of a rut at the moment and it has been a frustrating start to the season but this is a different competition and gives us a chance to build some confidence.

"We still believe that things will click and when they do we can turn some heads and kick on."

Pewtner made his first appearance of the season in last weekend's 24-10 loss to Edinburgh and capped a spirited display at Murrayfield with a well-taken try.

"It's never nice to lose but I enjoyed getting out there for the first time this season," said the 23-year-old.

"We have shown with a good team try that we can be exciting with the ball so we just need to keep working hard for each other."

Meanwhile, the Dragons' round three clash with Bucharest Wolves has been confirmed for Saturday, December 6 (kick-off TBC) with the return fixture the following Friday at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.30pm).