EBBW Vale have enjoyed a dream return to the Principality Premiership but face the litmus test over the next two weekends, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Steelmen are leading the way thanks to five wins from six but now come up against last season’s top two, heading to Carmarthen Quins tomorrow before welcoming champions Pontypridd to Eugene Cross Park next Friday.

Both of their opponents have perfect league records so far this season and Ebbw coach Duane Goodfield knows that his charges need to produce their best display of the campaign in Carmarthen.

“This is the biggest challenge so far,” he said. “It’s going to be an extremely tough place to go on a Friday evening with their current form in the league and the British and Irish Cup (in which they beat Leinster A).

“Quins have lots of quality players and are confident with a settled squad. They are pretty much an all-round team of experienced forwards with traditional dangerous west Wales backs.

“It’s a different experience with a lot of our boys having to head to Carmarthen straight after finishing their shifts at work but our mindset has to be the same.

“I expect the players to rise to the challenge and if we perform as we can, which we haven’t of late, then we are in with a shout.”

The Steelmen won ugly against Aberavon at Eugene Cross Park last weekend, sneaking a 14-9 win thanks to flanker Ronny Kynes’ try from a driving lineout.

They also got out of jail when beating Newport 31-29 at Rodney Parade thanks to a last-gasp penalty try.

Goodfield said: “We know that we have still got a long way to go and that there is plenty more to come from us but if we click in Carmarthen then I am confident we can get the win.”

Ebbw Vale haven’t played the Quins in a competitive game out west since 2009 – coincidentally November 7 – when they were hammered 41-3.