LOCK Andrew Coombs believes Newport Gwent Dragons have salvaged their season by making the quarter-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

The Dragons will play knockout rugby for only the third time after topping Pool Three thanks to last weekend's stunning 40-29 win in Newcastle.

Their excellent European exploits have provided an escape from the region's struggles in the Guinness Pro12; with a record of three wins from 13 games Treviso and Zebre are the only sides beneath them.

Pre-season hopes of a top-half finish have vanished but the Dragons have delivered against Newcastle, Stade Francais and Bucharest to keep their campaign alive.

"The start of the season has been disappointing because we've got some fantastic players and felt we could challenge teams in the league," said 10-times capped Coombs.

"Injuries have cost us big time so to make the quarter-finals of the Challenge is massively important and we are really excited.

"Things are really coming together now and we have got a lot of belief. We are enjoying playing together and we are enjoying each others' company."

Not only will the Dragons match the exploits of the 2007 squad by playing a Challenge Cup quarter-final but they are likely to enjoy home advantage.

Lyn Jones' side need just one point from Saturday's visit of Stade Francais to guarantee a humdinger at Rodney Parade in April.

"It's all-important that we perform again and get a win," said Coombs. "A quarter-final at home would be massive for us."

And the Rodney Parade faithful will be hoping that their team can show the same attacking verve that scored four tries past the Parisians at Stade Jean Bouin and six past the Falcons.

"After the loss to the Ospreys we spoke our attacking game and felt it was a bit flat. We talked about getting the ball to our backs because when players like Tyler Morgan and Hallam Amos get the ball things happen," said Coombs, who scored from a driving lineout in the north east.

"It was great to see the things that we worked on in training come through. It was a fantastic win and a great advert for the Challenge Cup, showing how tough and important the competition is."