NEWPORT Gwent Dragons intend to fight fire with fire when they open their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign against Stade Francais in Paris tonight.

The Rodney Parade region have endured a miserable start to the Guinness Pro12 but hope a change of competition can give their season a shot in the arm.

The Dragons are overwhelming outsiders for tonight's clash at the Stade Jean Bouin (kick-off 7.45pm) because their hosts have come flying out of the blocks in the Top 14.

Stade have scored 21 tries in nine league fixtures and are expected to adopt an expansive approach in Paris.

But Richie Rees says the Dragons, who have struggled to get their attack going, are relishing the challenge and has vowed to take the Frenchmen on at their own game.

"We go there with no fear and nothing to lose," said the scrum-half. "It's a chance to express ourselves a bit more than we have of late.

"We are going to look to play more expansive rugby, enjoy the occasion and come away with our heads held high.

"Stade might feel that the shackles are off in Europe so it's about us trying to shut them down in the first 15 to 20 minutes and then building. As soon as they get their tails up we have to suppress them."

The Dragons have won just one of 12 games in France – a 2007 success against Bayonne – and their last victory away from Rodney Parade was against Italian minnows Mogliano in January.

They know will have to produce their best display of 2014 if they are to head home with anything to show for their efforts.

"If we are going to get anything from the game then we have to play to the utmost of our ability," said director of rugby Lyn Jones.

"There's no pressure on us and we are going to play as hard and as quick as we can.

He continued: "The French are quite reserved in their domestic competition and when they enter into Europe they will look at us, Newcastle and Bucharest and think let's go and play.

"They have a good attitude to keeping the game alive and if we switch off they can score from 100 yards but at the same time they can concede from 100 yards."

- Team news and prop Lloyd Fairbrother on the Dragons' scrum challenge on page **