TARGET David Humph-reys' - that is the challenge Mike Ruddock has set his Newport Gwent Dragons team going into Sunday's Heineken Cup clash against former champions Ulster at Rodney Parade.

And Ruddock, at Twickenham yesterday for the Heineken Cup launch, promises the Dragons won't hold back and will be flat out to play real rugby rather than try to win by the odd penalty.

He also admitted that selection is causing him a big headache, with four leading players returning from the World Cup, injuries and suspensions, though the side has jumped into third place in the Celtic League table.

But he gave a pretty clear indication that Percy Montgomery, whose six-month suspension for pushing a touch judge over ends today, will probably be in the starting line up.

"Ulster are top of the Celtic League table and former Heineken Cup champions with one of the best coaches in the world in Alan Solomons," said Ruddock.

"David Humphrey's is a keen player and we've got to stop him playing but that will be a big ask.

"Both sides will want to play and we've got nothing to lose so let's go out and play some rugby.

"We won't try to sneak a win by the odd penalty kick, we are aiming to play and we are looking for a nice blend.

"We've got a situation where first and third in the Celtic League are doing battle in the Heineken Cup which is the best tournament in the Northern Hemisphere.

"If that doesn't create something and people don't want to come out and watch I don't know what will, particularly with the degree of stability which has been reached with the board of directors.

"It's been impossible to keep the players away from what has happened off the field, but it's created an environment where there is a good spirit, work ethic and a desire to prove certain people wrong.

"The adversity has helped us become closer as a group.

"We have got the toughest group, there is no doubt about that (the Dragons are also bracketed with former champions Leicester and ex runners-up Stade Francais) but you've got to believe you can win every game.

"I've got a good record against Leicester, with three wins out of four, one of them away when I was with Leinster.

"Percy will be definitely on the field and could well start. We've got people coming back which is a nice selection poser for me and an enjoyable headache, but we will use the bench in a game of this magnitude.

"Percy has been as good as gold, helping us to shape our game and doing some kicking coaching.

"He's looking forward to putting the jersey on, he's handled everything very well, he knows he's done wrong and that it's something he can't repeat. I saw him the other day with an A4 sheet marking down the weeks and the days to his return."

Ruddock also gave a big pat on the back to skipper Andy Marinos and Jason Forster, who has stepped in during his injury.

"They've been magnificent in forging spirit, and whenever the group have got dispirited these are the guys who have stood up.

"Jason has been playing better than ever and I've been hugely impressed with him.

"I guess he's been unlucky with people like Martyn Williams, Brett Sinkinson and Gavin Thomas around. Jason had always been just outside, but you have to say he's the guy you want in your team every time. I've got a huge regard for him."

l Sky TV, who have a three-year contract for the Heineken Cup, will show five league games every weekend plus extended highlights on Sunday nights. Included is the Leicester-Dragons game a week Sunday.

l Twickenham will host the Heineken Cup final next year for the first time since 2000 when Northampton beat Munster 9-8.

A then record 68,441 watched that match and the organisers would be very happy with a repeat on Sunday, May 23. European Rugby Cup chief executive Derek McGrath said: "From today all roads lead to Twickenham.

"Announcing the venue now is in the best interests of the Heineken Cup as it adds focus, value and incentive to the tournament and all its stake holders and partners."

Tickets for the 2004 final will go on sale today.