CROSS Keys head coach Greg Woods expects another stern examination from Ebbw Vale tomorrow afternoon – but has demanded his players produce a more polished performance that their August triumph against the Steelmen.

Just five weeks ago the hosts emerged victorious from the British and Irish Cup qualifier between the sides at Pandy Park, but it was tight.

Ebbw led 10-0 before Keys inched in front and held on for a 16-13 success.

The cobwebs have well and truly been blown away ahead of the Principality Premiership meeting between the sides and Woods wants his charges to fire ahead of BIC clashes with Doncaster and Bedford.

"Ebbw Vale will be tough, they really tested us physically and I have no doubt that it will be exactly the same again," he said.

"They have had a fantastic start to the season by beating Neath and Llandovery and we have a lot of respect for them.

"They have a big presence up front and a good kicking game but we need to challenge them and I am looking for us to push our game forward now.

"Most of our boys have played plenty of rugby since the start of the season and should be in the swing of things by now. I am looking for us to play at pace and with high tempo."

That is something they did expertly at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park last weekend when they stunned a Blue and Blacks side bolstered by Wales internationals Lloyd Williams and Scott Andrews.

Wood said: "It was a win based on high energy, excellent contact area skills and the intent to play attacking rugby. We needed that after being beaten by Bedwas at home and need to continue to play that attacking game."

Keys responded to a derby defeat in the right manner and Ebbw will hope to do likewise after last weekend's disappointing loss to Newport at Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen were not at their most fluent and their pack failed to achieve their usual dominance but 11 points from three games represents an excellent start to life back in the Premiership.

And head coach Jason Strange, like Woods, believes his side returns to Pandy Park in better shape.

"I'd like to think that we've improved since August and I am sure Keys feel the same," said head coach Jason Strange.

"But I think the challenge won't be any different – it will be a physical game and we need our set piece, especially our lineout, to be a lot better than last week.

"We were always running the risk of disrupting things by making changes to a winning side and we lacked cohesion and organisation against Newport.

"But we will learn from that and we need to keep things in perspective, it's still been a good start to the season and it will be important to keep players fresh throughout the season and give opportunities to everyone in the squad."