HEAD coach Kingsley Jones believes Newport Gwent Dragons can upset the odds again in their European Challenge Cup semi-final in Montpellier – fuelled by Murrayfield heartbreak.

The Dragons caused a huge shock in the last eight on Saturday by turning over holders Gloucester at Kingsholm, taking the spoils 23-21 thanks to a late try by replacement scrum-half Charlie Davies.

That has earned a trip to face Montpellier at their Stade Yves-du-Manoir home after the Frenchmen, who are second in the Top 14 and boast a cast of international superstars in their squad, beat Sale in Salford.

Not many will give the Dragons a chance but their win at Gloucester and recent successes in France against Stade Francais and Pau gives Jones reason to believe.

"Montpellier's front five is particularly strong and their physicality is evident. They are a top side but they are not unbeatable," said the head coach.

"Last year we played Stade Francais, who went on to win the Top 14, and did the double over them.

"Montpellier is a fantastic place to go and we will just have a crack. Montpellier are an excellent side but they are not unbeatable.

"Most people have us as underdogs. We are respected at Rodney Parade by the people in our league because they know it's a tough environment but home advantage will have them as favourites.

"But it's sport, who would have said that I would be sat at Kingsholm talking about a semi-final? It can happen."

The Dragons have won five of seven games in Europe – a tally that eclipses their four successes in the Guinness Pro12 – and have made the semi-finals for the second season on the spin.

In 2015 they were hammered 45-16 by Edinburgh in Scotland and Jones says that woeful performance gives them extra desire for Montpellier.

"I know there's some doom and gloom (after the run in the league) but we deserve some credit for this achievement. Can we go one better? That's what we talked about after Edinburgh," he said.

"We didn't perform that day. It was a big step for a lot of the boys but the chat afterwards was about learning from it and trying to get one step further to a final, then anything can happen.

"At the moment we've got to cherish this – two semi-finals on the trot and the only region to be successful in Europe at the moment – and the players deserve credit."

Director of rugby Lyn Jones was not at Kingsholm because of illness but is scheduled to take part in a fans' forum event at Rodney Parade this evening as planned (6.30pm start).