Not many are giving the Dragons a chance when they face Stade Francais in the Challenge Cup last 16 this Sunday, but co-captain Angus O'Brien knows better—he's been here before.
Twelve years ago, as a 20-year-old fly-half making just his second start for the club, O'Brien helped orchestrate a stunning 38-22 upset at Stade Jean Bouin. Now, as the Dragons return to Paris, the veteran full-back is drawing on that breakthrough moment to inspire another against-the-odds performance.
"They are similar circumstances in that the expectation on us as a group is just from within the circle," O'Brien reflected. "We've got to take belief from the fact that we have been out there and won before."
That 2014 victory came under unusual circumstances. Regular fly-half Jason Tovey was ruled out after accidentally washing his passport, thrusting O'Brien into the spotlight alongside experienced teammates like scrum-half Richie Rees and centre Ashley Smith. The young playmaker rose to the occasion, contributing 18 points with his boot while facing Springbok legend Morne Steyn.
"It was my first season in the senior environment," O'Brien recalled. "To have a start out at Stade Francais and get a win was massive for my confidence."
This weekend's challenge appears even steeper. Stade Francais sit third in France's elite Top 14 competition and won three of their four Challenge Cup group games to earn fourth seeding. They've rotated their squad but maintain formidable depth, fully expecting to secure a home quarter-final against either Zebre or Pau.
Yet the Dragons have shown renewed resilience this season. Fresh from spirited performances and with O'Brien's leadership, they aim to replicate that Parisian magic that once propelled them to a European semi-final.
"There are few members of the team from back then still involved now," O'Brien noted. "We've got to really believe that we can get a result."