ANDREW Coombs admits Newport Gwent Dragons cannot fluff their lines in Treviso this evening in the battle for starting spots in their European quarter-final.

The Dragons will attempt to win for the first time at the Stadio Monigo at the fifth time of asking in the Guinness Pro12 (kick-off 7.30pm).

Director of rugby Lyn Jones has hammered home the importance of the game not just in the battle to finish above the ninth-placed Cardiff Blues in the league table but in terms of preparation for next Saturday.

The men from the capital head to Rodney Parade in the last eight of the European Rugby Challenge Cup in the game that will make or break the Dragons' season.

Lock Coombs admits that the derby battle is the game that everyone wants to play in and knows a strong display in Italy is essential.

"The Blues game has been in our mind since the draw but Treviso is a massive challenge and it's all about getting a bit of momentum," he said.

"Treviso are no pushovers, as they showed against the Blues (winning 40-24 in Feburary) while we need to grow up because to turn over Leinster away and Ulster at home but lose to Zebre is a nonsense really.

"We've got a lot of competition for places here and it's all about turning up and doing the job because nobody wants to risk losing their place in the team."

The Dragons are preparing for a stern challenge against a Treviso side that they beat 33-15 at Rodney Parade in September but who are a different prospect on their own turf.

The Rodney Parade region have lost their four previous trips to the Stadio Monigo and have shipped an average of 37 points.

"It starts with the scrum against Treviso, it always does. They've got a big pack and that's where they will be most dangerous," said Coombs.

"We will have to be at the races but we don't really have to worry about that anymore with the scrum that we've got with Boris (Stankovich) and Brok (Harris). I am sure it will be fine."