Paul Turner is looking to turn around a stuttering start to the season for the Dragons by taking a few scalps, starting with Heineken Cup Champions Toulouse on Saturday.
The Dragons’ head coach is under no illusion of the task which faces his team at Rodney Parade on the weekend, but his side are in need of a victory following an opening European defeat to Glasgow last weekend.
“We are improving but we need to start to pick up points,” said Turner.
“It’s at home so it is a must win. We always aim to be really competitive in Europe but we are well aware of what we are meeting at the weekend. They have 25 current internationals in a squad of 38 and that says a lot really.
“We have trained well all week, had a great team run here and things look good.”
Toulouse beat compatriots Biarritz Olympique to lift the European crown in May, but struggled as they kicked off their defence against London Wasps at Stade Ernest-Wallon on Sunday.
The French side’s ambition to play open rugby in the downpour may have been adventurous but highlighted their creative danger according to Turner.
“Even in those conditions, Toulouse still tried to play, maybe a little too much in those conditions but they have got quality everywhere,” added the former fly-half.
“They are not that well structured, they play in chaos really and it’s off the cuff stuff.
“We all try to emulate those sort of sides. We are hoping for a dry day as we want to show that we can play.”
