EBBW Vale head coach Nigel Davies expects a fighting response to the Steelmen's heaviest defeat in 10 years when they host Cardiff in the Principality Premiership, writes Chris Kirwan.

Ebbw headed west to Llandovery expecting a stern challenge but few would have predicted a 50-0 hammering.

It was the Steelmen's worst result since a 64-0 humbling at the hands of Llanelli in 2005 and Davies expects a dramatic improvement against the Blue and Blacks at Eugene Cross Park.

"Everything about last week was hugely disappointing," he said. "This side is a heck of a lot better than that.

"Our attitude and application was poor and I am looking for a big reaction. I am not taking anything away from Llandovery because they were outstanding on the day but we allowed them far too much time and space.

"We let a lot of people down, including ourselves. We have to show our character and bounce back from that.

"We have had a very open week in terms of getting everything out on the table because even in the three games that we have won we did not play to anywhere near our potential.

"It's been a big week. The boys have trained hard and expecting them to put that into practice against Cardiff."

The Steelmen had shipped just two tries before their trip to Church Bank and Davies has demanded they tighten up against a Blue and Blacks side who have thrived on the road while the Arms Park hosts a World Cup fanzone, beating Cross Keys, Llanelli and Neath.

He said: "Cardiff a good team and play a similar style to Llandovery in terms of attacking rugby. We had conceded just two tries in three games up before last week's avalanche so we need to get back to those standards."

Ebbw did the double over Cardiff last season, winning 16-0 in the capital and 36-18 at Eugene Cross Park.