Ringer aiming for first Euro quarter-final

The Wales flanker has never tasted victory in France but says there is no time like the present, with only a bonus-point win guaranteeing passage into the knock-out stages.

With four wins from five the Dragons top Pool One only by virtue of a superior points difference from Bristol, who entertain struggling Romanians Bucuresti. With no margin for error, the Dragons hold their fate in their hands.

Things will be tough in France. Bayonne put a miserable season behind them to shock French Championship leaders Stade Francais 29-27 a fortnight ago, with former international centre Richard Dourthe grabbing two tries.

The win took them off the bottom of the French Championship for the first time in three months and Ringer says only a top-notch performance will put the Dragons in the last eight.

“It’s a massive challenge for us,” said Ringer. “I have never been on a winning side out in France, but there has to be a first time for everything.

“We know if we get the win and secure the bonus point then we get a home quarter-final for the club, no rugby player needs more incentive than that.”

The Dragons have lost six of their last seven away games in all competitions and Ringer says that statistic must be improved if the Welsh region are to progress in Europe.

“Our attitude has not been the best when we travel,” said Ringer, “it is something we have to improve. Our away record this season isn’t great and it’s something we have to correct if we have any serious aspirations to progress in this competition.

“We put 50 points on Baynonne when we played them in October but it will be a different story over in France. There is no point going over there and going into our shells, we have to play positive rugby.”

Newport-Gwent Dragons: K Morgan (capt); G Wyatt, P Emerick, A Smith, A Brew; C Sweeney, A Walker; A Black, B Daly, L Harrison, I Gough, L Charteris, C Charvis, J Ringer, M Owen

Replacements: R Wilkes, G Robinson, A Hall, N Fitsemanu, G Cooper, M Hercus, A Thomas

Bayonne: team selection not available at present.