'This is why you play' - Doak on Dupont and Toulouse

Investec Champions Cup: Toulouse v Ulster

Venue: Ernest Stade-Wallon, Toulouse Date: Sunday, 8 December Kick-off: 15:15 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds & Radio Ulster; text updates on BBC Sport website & app

Ulster half-back Nathan Doak says the challenge of facing Investec Champions Cup holders Toulouse and superstar Antoine Dupont on Sunday resembles "a Test match".

Richie Murphy's side will take on the Top 14 leaders at Ernest Stade-Wallon in their first match of this year's competition.

Doak knows his side face a formidable task but is relishing the prospect of facing a side laden with quality, including renowned French international Antoine Dupont.

"This is why you play – you’re playing against Toulouse and against Dupont – it’s just something that you want to be a part of," said Doak.

"It’s a big challenge but something we are looking forward to."

Former world player of the year Dupont scored two tries in Toulouse's 48-24 win over Ulster in last season's competition.

"He’s the best player in the world for a reason but you don’t want to get too honed in on him as they have quality throughout their whole team," added Doak.

"For us it’s just about making sure that we do our things right and focus on ourselves and see where that gets us."

Ulster go into their European opener on the back of a narrow defeat by Irish interprovincial rivals Leinster in Belfast.

Doak believes there are "things tactically we can tidy up in attack and defence" as they try to plot the downfall of their celebrated French opponents.

"As a group we’re trying to stick together and whoever’s on the pitch it’s about leaving it all out there, putting our best foot forward," added the 22-year-old.

"They are class opposition. It’s always fun to play against them. It’s proper rugby, I suppose like a Test match against them, with so many internationals."

Doak was called into the Ireland squad before the second Test of the successful summer tour of South Africa and is keen to return to the international fold as he targets a first senior cap.

"It was a great opportunity to be a part of that and having had a taste of that it's something I want to have more of. I just have to put in performances that give me a shot at trying to get back in there.

"I feel confident in myself and have enjoyed the confidence of the coaches in getting starts so I’ll try and put my best foot forward for the team."