NICK Crosswell has called on Newport Gwent Dragons to play with joie de vivre in order to upset the odds against Montpellier in Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final.

The forward from New Zealand has pledged that he won't take a backward step against the French side's imposing pack at Altrad Stadium (kick-off 5.30pm BST).

However, if the Dragons are to repeat their stunning quarter-final upset against Gloucester at Kingsholm then their best chance rests with avoiding a slugfest up front against hosts who are also eyeing the Top 14 title.

Montpellier boast a heavy pack led by hard-hitting South Africa hooker Bismarck du Plessis while in Hallam Amos, Tyler Morgan and Sarel Pretorius the Dragons have game breakers who can thrive if the game is played at a high tempo.

That's the way that the men from Rodney Parade took the spoils at Stade Francais last season and Pau in December and lock/back row Crosswell wants to play with freedom.

"We've been to Gloucester and won when no-one gave us a shot," he said. "We knew that we have nothing to lose in Gloucester and without pressure played freely.

"There's no hiding from the fact that Montpellier have a classy side right across the paddock but we just need to go there to play. It's as simple as holding onto the ball and putting them under pressure.

"If we do that, who knows what can happen and we do have some backs with awesome X-factor but we have to watch our control.

"We need to build our attacks then put them into space because if we don't hang onto the ball then we will have Montpellier running down our throats all day."

Crosswell is primarily a back rower but moved forward to slot in next to Rynard Landman in the win at Gloucester and last weekend's loss at Cardiff Blues.

The former Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs player provides extra mobility when he plays with 5 on his back but is keen to stress he is no makeshift lock.

"I've played a lot of lock in my career so that's nothing foreign and I actually enjoy getting in the boiler room and mixing it up," said the former Maori All Black.

"I enjoy the battles in the tight. Montpellier have some big boys and I can tell you one thing, they will come with physicality and that's what I'm looking forward to.

"With the locks and the loosies here there's competition for those spots and if you manage to get one it's up to you to do a job."

"For a lot of boys this will be the biggest game of their lives to date," he continued. "We will be playing against some of the best fellas in the world so what better chance to showcase yourself than the biggest stage. It's really exciting."