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"We know Montauban were in the top three earlier in the season and that they've claimed some big scalps in the French league. They almost won in Toulouse last weekend but then the previous week were beaten at home by the bottom side, so like ourselves perhaps consistency has been an issue.
"Any French team is dangerous, especially at home, and we will treat them with the respect they deserve. Brive won there in the opening weekend, although the information we have from people who were at the game is that Montauban had rested some of their squad for that match. We understand they will be back to full strength this weekend though, so they will be a different proposition altogether."
Fletcher's men go in to Friday's game without any of their four recent signings, Russell Winter, Mark Sorenson, Joe McDonnell and Loki Crichton, although one of those could well feature in the return leg at Kingston Park a week on Sunday.
"We can't field any of the new signings this weekend, although we have asked ERC to register Loki Crichton as our wild card for next week when we play Montauban at home, which will give us more options should we need cover in the backs," he said.
Turning attention back to the more pressing matter of this Friday's clash at Stade Sapiac, Fletcher said: "We've brought players back in to the side like Noon, Burke, May and Rudd, which will strengthen the backs, although I have to say we have a lot of depth in that area.
"Noony is really fresh after we gave him the week off from training last week, and Burkey will slot back in as captain after being rested for the Harlequins game in the Cup.
"Hall Charlton is back at scrum half on the bench, and we hope to give him some game time after missing most of the season with two separate injuries. He is a proven Premiership player and has been in and around the England squad at various times, so we look forward to having him back."
With another fellow replacement, Rob Vickers, set for his senior debut, Fletcher said of the front row man: "Andy Long unfortunately has twisted his knee and will be out for a couple of weeks, while Ross Batty also hurt his knee in training on Tuesday.
"Rob comes in to the match-day 22, and I would have absolutely no problems in throwing him in. He's been playing some good rugby this season at Tynedale and is one of the best ball carriers in the club, so he has a lot to offer and it will be a good experience for him.
"We got a lot of confidence out of some aspects from Saturday's win over Harlequins and we've worked on the things which didn't go so well. It's been a good week in training, albeit a short one, and everyone is up for Friday's game."
