EBBW Vale head coach Jason Strange has called on his charges to repeat their aggressive approach when they attempt to send the Principality Premiership’s third-placed side packing at Eugene Cross Park, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Steelmen thrashed Cardiff 36-18 last weekend thanks to tries by props Gethin Robinson and John Lavender, lock Damien Hudd, flanker Ronny Kynes, wing Wes Cunliffe and full-back Dan Haymond.

That result strengthened second-placed Ebbw’s bid for the playoffs and another success against Carmarthen Quins would see Ebbw go to the top of the table, albeit after playing two games more than champions and leaders Pontypridd.

To achieve that Strange says his side must not go into their shells against the Quins, who sneaked a 26-24 win when the teams met out west in November.

He said: "It was really important for both sides so the way that the boys attacked the game was really pleasing. They went at Cardiff from the off and that’s the approach that we need against Carmarthen Quins.

“We should have really won the game against them in the autumn but I’d say that along with Pontypridd they are the most complete side in the Premiership.

“They have a good balance with the ability to dominate the game up front but also to counter-attack and hurt people with their backs.”

Strange also believes that Ebbw Vale have shown they are not a one-trick pony after heading up from the Swalec Championship with a reputation as a side that thrives in the battle up front.

“I think that a lot of people thought that we would just challenge people with our forwards but we have proved to be flexible in our game,” said Strange. “We have scored more tries than anyone else (40), earned more four-try bonus points (seven) and have shown that we are strong in defence.”

Wing Tom James is out because of an ankle injury while centre Adam Jones is a doubt because of a knee problem but wing Owen Williams is poised for a return after a month on the sidelines.