NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are hoping that history will repeat itself with a European campaign giving a shot in the arm to their faltering attack.

The Dragons have made a poor start to the Guinness Pro12 with just 10 points from seven games, the latest defeat a 19-12 loss to Ulster on Sunday.

They have been hindered by a blunt attack with their tally of nine tries the joint worst in the league along with Zebre.

It was a similar story in 2014 when the European Rugby Challenge Cup provided a welcome distraction from league struggles.

They stunned Stade Francais 38-22 in Paris to set them on their way to topping Pool Three ahead of the eventual French champions, Newcastle and Bucharest, scoring 31 tries in the process.

The Dragons start this year's campaign on Sunday when they welcome Sale to Rodney Parade before encounters with the French duo of Castres and Pau.

Lock Rynard Landman hopes that the change of competition can bring about a change of fortune.

"Last year we went to Stade Francais with nothing to lose and threw the ball around. It was really good for us and hopefully that can happen again," said the South African.

"We are going in with a positive mindset because we scored loads more tries in Europe than we did in the Pro12. We want to build some momentum and get some belief."

The Sharks head to Rodney Parade (kick-off 3.15pm) with a record of two wins and two losses in the Aviva Premiership, losing on their travels to Saracens and Harlequins and beating Worcester and Northampton in Salford.

Head coach Kingsley Jones is relishing the reunion with a club who he helped win the English title in 2006.

He said: "Peter Stringer has been a great signing and Danny Cipriani is full of maturity, kicking at the right time and running at the right time. He's of an age now where we will see the best of him.

"They've got lots of threats and we look forward to the game – let's just go out and give it a go.

"We've got to see it as a break (from the Pro12) and a chance to build on what we did well against Ulster, but need to improve our exits and finishing."

Captain and hooker Rhys Thomas is likely to be in contention for a return to action after eight weeks out with a foot injury.