RICHARD Hibbard says it's on the Dragons' pack to smash into Northampton's heavyweights if the Rodney Parade region are to record a vital European victory in Newport tonight.

Bernard Jackman's side entertain the Saints (kick-off 7.30pm) in a crucial clash in Pool One of the Challenge Cup.

The Dragons kicked off their campaign with a crushing 54-17 win at group whipping boys Timisoara Saracens last weekend while Northampton endured a home hammering at the hands of Clermont Auvergne.

The French side are hot favourites to emerge as winners of the pool, making tonight's battle at Rodney Parade all the more important.

The Dragons start as underdogs and need to stand up to an imposing English pack if they are to upset the odds.

Northampton triumphed 42-10 when the teams met in Newport in August, pulling away in the second half thanks to their well-drilled driving lineout.

"We learnt in pre-season that we have to be good in the pack, 100 per cent," said Hibbard, who will be charged with bringing oomph from the bench as Wales hooker Elliot Dee's deputy.

"They got on top of us and we gave away needless penalties and that's what they played from. We will have to take them on as an eight.

"It's going to be a tough game and they are on the back of a heavy loss so will be fired up. It's going to be a massive clash and two teams going at it, especially in the physical battles.

"I certainly like these sorts of games from being in the English Premiership – they run straight, fair play!"

Hibbard sat out last week's win in Romania to rest a knee niggle but is one of the Dragons' returning big hitters.

Wales internationals Aaron Wainwright and Rhodri Williams return at blindside and scrum-half respectively while captain and lock Cory Hill and livewire full-back Jordan Williams are back in the XV after being replacements in Timisoara.

Hibbard says the eight-try triumph, while expected, was the perfect preparation for the Saints showdown.

"It was huge for us," said Hibbard. "Winning brings confidence and it was a great result. If we play well and get a good win tonight then it sets us up really nicely to get out of the group."

Northampton head over the border after five losses in their last seven games, a run that has them looking over their shoulder in the Gallagher Premiership.

But Jackman knows that a side boasting the likes of Dan Biggar, Courtney Lawes, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Jamie Gibson will test the claim that the Dragons have made strides in the second year of his reign.

"I'm sure the Saints will see the game as do-or-die if they want to qualify," said the head coach.

"Last weekend they came up against a Clermont side that have toppled all before them in the Top14.

"However, I watched Northampton live at Bristol earlier this season and they are a quality side.

"They have a new coach in Chris Boyd, who will be eager to put his stamp on the team, and have a strong pedigree in this competition as two-time winners.

"This game will be a good barometer of where we are."

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