HOOKER Rob Hawkins says Newport Gwent Dragons' shock win in Paris has focused Newcastle minds ahead of tomorrow's trip to Rodney Parade, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Falcons opened Pool Three of the European Rugby Challenge Cup with an expected 43-19 bonus point win against Bucharest in the North East last Friday.

And 24 hours later they were surprisingly joined at the head of the table by the Dragons, who upset the odds to thump Stade Francais 38-22.

"Last week's result probably shocked a few people, but when you look at the footage they were well-deserved winners," said Hawkins to the Newcastle Chronicle.

"They played some decent stuff, and it will be a different kettle of fish down there from what we experienced against Bucharest.

"The Dragons are quite a young and adventurous side, they like to fling it around and they have been pretty successful with that. We need to be on our toes defensively, and not get caught out too much."

He continued: "We saw their game in Paris but this is basically England v Wales, and whenever you play an Anglo-Welsh game there is a bit of extra spice to it.

"No disrespect to Bucharest but it will be a step up from last week, and we have been training with that in mind."

Hawkins, who signed for Newcastle this summer after four seasons with Leicester, is a senior figure in a youthful Falcons European squad.

They are resting some key figures for the Aviva Premiership but head to Wales on the back of wins against Exeter, London Welsh and Bucharest so are keen to maintain their momentum.

"We are going to be positive, and we will see where it takes us. We are on a three-match winning streak, and the boys are just enjoying winning games again," said the 31-year-old front rower from Taunton.

"The fixtures can't come quick enough for us at the moment, and hopefully we can get another one under the belt."