WALES captain Stephen Jones has urged Newport Gwent Dragons to go for it by playing a wide game in Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final against Clermont Auvergne at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

Jones spent two years playing for Clermont before returning to Llanelli Scarlets at the start of this season, and he warns the Dragons not to get involved in a forward battle.

"I had a brilliant time in my two years for Clermont and I enjoyed playing in the French league," said Jones. "I would say the Dragons have got nothing to fear, it's a great place to play and it should be a brilliant game.

"Clermont have changed the way they play since I was there with a New Zealand coach (Vern Cotter) in charge, but the Dragons have been playing well when they put the ball out wide which is the way they've got to play on Saturday.

"If they keep it tight they'll be in for a long afternoon because the new guy was in charge of the Crusaders and he's worked Clermont really hard.

"They look to get forward domination. They've got a big, heavy pack with a couple of Argentinians and Georgians in their front row.

"The Dragons could find it difficult early on in the line-outs and mauls as well. Their backs are good, too, and they've got a cracking scrum half in Pierre Mignoni who will aim to lift the tempo while their captain Aurelien Rougerie is a Clermont boy and is such a talent.

"Their Australian outside half Brock James also kicks very well and they haven't lost at home this year so they've got a proud record.

"They are a big club and they've got a big squad, which they need to carry them through because of the number of games they play.

"They've recruited well and they've got 10 or 11 different nationalities in their squad. They're having great success, cementing their position in the l top four and a place in the play-offs.

"Clermont play in a wonderful stadium which they are improving to make it a 20,000 capacity before long, although it won't be completed by the time the Dragons play there.

"I'm sure Clermont will cause problems and it's going to be a problem for the Dragons, but they still have nothing to fear if they go out and play. They will be confident after beating sides like Bristol and Bayonne in Europe."

Jones also expects the hundreds of Dragons fans travelling to make the most of it. "It's a big rugby town and everyone there supports the team especially as they are doing so well," he said.

"The fans will have a great time there, it's a super city centre with its tramway and it's a nice place to be."

- Travel City Sports say they still have a couple of rooms available in Clermont Ferrand for Newport Gwent Dragons fans who are travelling to France for Saturday's European Challenge Cup semi-final. Anyone interested should ring 02920 234650.