For those who think the Dragons are facing ‘Mission Impossible’ in going to Paris to take on Stade Francais today (Sunday, 5 April – 12.30pm) in the Round of 16 in the EPCR Challenge Cup then hold on and think back to 2014.
That was when the ‘Men of Gwent’ stormed the French capital and came away with one of their greatest European triumphs with an outstanding 38-22 triumph. Fast forward 12 years and only Angus O’Brien and Elliot Dee remain from the side that won that day.
They are both included in the matchday 23, with co-captain O’Brien keen to repeat his match winning heroics at Stade Jean Bouin. He kicked 18 points in 2014 and recently took his club tally through 500.
Back then he was a late call-up to play at outside half in place of Jason Tovey. These days he is the beating heart of a revitalised Dragons side.
“It was a young 20-year-old back then and it was one of my first starts for the club. It was a great win out there and hopefully we can repeat it,” said O’Brien.
“It was my first season being in a senior environment and I’d only really played for Cross Keys before that, Getting a start against Stade, and to get a win, was massive – I loved it.
“We’ve got to take belief the fact we’ve been out before and we’ve won. We’ve just got to go out there and believe we can get a result.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for us to be in the knockout stages of Europe. There has been a good feeling this week and we really want to get after it.”
Stade Francais are currently in third place in the Top 14 and are in tip top form. They won three of their four Pool matches to qualify for the Round of 16 and won the title in 2017.
Outside half Tinus de Beer returns to the starting XV for the Dragons as one of three changes to the side that last featured in URC action. His return allows O’Brien to switch back to full back, while Niall Armstrong partners him at half-back and David Richards is recalled on the wing and Levi Diouglas comes into the second row.
“Stade Francais are a good side, particularly at home, and when they faced Clermont at the weekend they ran away with a good win. Si we know it’s going to be tough,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.
“We learned some things during the South African tour and there are areas we need to be better at and things we can action. It’s important we capitalise on opportunities and are better around our execution and taking points.”
TEAMS
Stade Francais Paris: Mathis Ibo; Charles Laloi, Joe Marchant, Samuel Ezeala, Lester Etien; Louis Foursans-Bourdette, Paul Abadie; Jack Iscaro, Lucas Peyresblanques, Yanis Lux, Pierre-Henri Azagoh, Setareki Turagacoke, Juan Martin Scelzo, Ryan Chapuis (captain), Yoan Tanga
Reps: Alvaro Garcia Albo, Thierry Paiva, Paul Alo-Emile, Pierre Huguet, Romain Briatte, Thibaut Motassi, Tani Vili, Zack HenryDragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (co-captain); David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer; Tinus de Beer, Niall Armstrong; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Levi Douglas, Ben Carter (cc), Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright
Reps: Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones, Owain James, Seb Davies, Harrison Keddie, Morgan Lloyd, Fetuli Paea, Huw AndersonReferee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)