by Michael Wicherek
THE Dragons kick off their European Challenge Cup campaign against Castres at Rodney Parade this Saturday.
Neither side have enjoyed a brilliant start to their domestic seasons with both teams down the wrong end of the league.
In a group that is difficult to call, early points could make all the difference on Pool 1.
James Benjamin up for the fight
Back row James Benjamin is fully aware of the threat that a powerful Castres side pose.
“The first half will be a huge battle for us, and we have to stay in the fight” with Castres strong from set-pieces.
In staying in the match, Benjamin hopes the Dragons can “wear them down to get the result we want.”
“We’ve got to match them physically in that first half before we can open our wings hopefully.”
A tough, physical battle lies ahead for the home team.
Form Guide
Dragons have won the previous two meetings between the sides at Rodney Parade.
The home side are winless in November, with their last victory coming at home against Glasgow Warriors.
Castres edged a two-point thriller in their previous match against Brive.
The French side sit 11th in the Top 14 with four wins from their opening nine matches.
The Rest of Pool 1
English side Worcester Warriors travel to Russia to face Yenisey-STM Krasnoyarsk in the other match in Pool 1 on Friday.
The Russian champions have beaten both Worcester and the Dragons in the past, although have to be seen as underdogs in Pool 1 this year.
