ELLIOT Dee cannot wait to cross swords with World Cup winner Bismarck du Plessis on Saturday, as Newport Gwent Dragons attempt to cause a major upset against the South African’s Montpellier side in the European Challenge Cup last four.

Dragons hooker Dee has been busy trying to tame his new French bulldog puppy Wesley in recent weeks, but he will lock horns with a much more fierce beast in the shape of opposite number du Plessis at the Altrad Stadium (kick-off 5.30pm BST).

The 79-times capped Springbok international, who lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 2007, is just one of a multitude of star names Top 14 high-flyers Montpellier boast in their ranks.

While for some the thought of facing du Plessis on his home turf would be overwhelming, Dee is looking forward to the prospect of testing himself against the world’s best.

“It’s brilliant to play against him,” said Dee. “Whenever you play against someone who has got a big reputation you want to test yourself. I suppose every player wants to be the best they can be.

“When you’re out on the field, it’s just man against man. You’ve just got to embrace it and get on with it, and try and have the upper hand on your opposite number.

“Obviously Bismarck du Plessis is a world-class player and has got nearly 80 caps for the Springboks.

“You don’t get that many caps for that nation by being a pushover.

“He’s obviously an immensely physical guy and has always been one of the top hookers in the world.

“I looked at him not so long ago when I was a bit younger, watching the stars of world rugby, and he has always been up there.”

The Dragons fell at the semi-final stage of last season’s competition, losing heavily away to Edinburgh.

But after beating Gloucester in the quarters, the Welsh region have nothing to lose when they take to the field in the south of France.

“I can’t wait,” added Dee. “It’s a massive game for us. We got to the semi-final last year and we want to go one further again.

“I think we play exciting stuff in Europe and it was a massive buzz after the Gloucester game, and that’s what you play rugby for, you can’t beat days like that.

“It’s brilliant to be involved in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and a lot of people will be watching. The better standard of rugby you play, the better player you become.”