NO respect - that must be the attitude from the Newport Gwent Dragons who take their unbeaten home record into today's huge Heineken Cup-tie against French aces Stade Francais at Rodney Parade, insists coach Mike Ruddock (pictured).

Over 5,000 tickets have been sold for the biggest game the new region have played at home, and even if not of similar proportions to the major Newport games, the crowd will still be the biggest to watch the Dragons.

Stade Francais parade 13 internationals from four countries and their side is so strong that two current French World Cup players - Christophe Dominici and Sylvain Marconnet - are on the bench.

They are spearheaded by half-backs Agustin Pichot and Diego Dominguez with 124 caps between them for Argentina and Italy, respectively, while French centre Stephane Glas has earned 37 caps.

"It's put our bodies on the line time. We must show them no respect and we've got to get stuck into them," stressed Ruddock, who has taken the unheralded Dragons to third place in the Celtic League, with a win over former European champions Ulster as well.

The Dragons have won five of their last six games, but they know today is a different ball game entirely.

"We've got a cup final on our hands," said Ruddock. "But it's where we wanted to be in January, still undefeated at home and still with a place in Europe.

"It's definitely a step-up, it's huge. They've got all that experience in Europe (31 games compared with the Dragons' two) so the stage is set.

"It's a key game and it's a must win game, but in saying that we will stick to our principles in the same way as Steve Hansen did with Wales in August. Europe has come five or six games early and we are having to do things slightly differently.

"But we've got a few things up our sleeve for today. We've had a good week and we're excited about facing a very strong Stade Francais side.

"When you see the array of talent they've got it will bring the best out of my players. We'll take heart from their defeat in Ulster, because we beat them."

Dragons captain Andy Marinos said: "I'd say it's our biggest game so far. This group is deadlocked with all the teams winning one each, so Stade Francais will target a win here. But we want to maintain our home fortress and a win would give us a lot of confidence. They've got big names, but it doesn't mean they will get results.

"We've got a good team spirit and work ethic and cohesion between management and players, which has stood us in good stead. We're a very proud team and we want to keep top rugby at Rodney Parade. Newport as a city deserves it."