Dragons v Benetton Treviso (Sun)

Newport Gwent Dragons insist their clash against Benetton Treviso is a must-win encounter.

Though they are 16 points adrift of the Blues in the race for Heineken Cup qualification they say they have not resigned themsleves to playing in the Amlin Cup next season.

“We are not reconciled ourselves to the Amlin Cup,” said Dragons rugby manager Rob Beale.

“We’ll play to the end of the season …. We are in there, we’re fighting.”

The one advantage in the Dragons favour is they have a game in hand over the Blues, who have to play four of their last five Magners games on the road.

“It is definitely a must-win game and that that’s not underestimating Treviso in any shape or form.

“We expect to win when we play at Rodney Parade, and this game on Sunday against Treviso is hugely important for the remainder of our season.

“We have got games to come at home against Blues and Ospreys, and the Blues have to go to the Ospreys and the Scarlets.

“So we will play right until the end of the season.”

Dragons have lost their last four matches in all competitions, but their only defeat to an Italian side since 2007 was 13-20 in Treviso on 1 October.

Treviso have won two of their three previous encounters with Dragons and were victorious 24-22 on their only previous visit to Rodney Parade in the Heinken Cup in 2007.

Treviso have lost their last five Magners League matches since their 19-18 victory over table-topping Munster on 13 February.

Dragons: tbc

Treviso: tbc

Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)