EBBW VALE know that they must produce their best display of the season in tomorrow's clash of the champions at Merthyr.

The Principality Premiership champions head to the Wern on a three-game winning streak after responding to a shock opening weekend loss at Llanelli by beating Newport, Bridgend and Neath.

However, they acknowledge that there is plenty of room for improvement and will need to go up a few gears when they face a buoyant Merthyr side.

The Championship champions have started life in the top flight with impressive successes against Cross Keys, Cardiff, Pontypridd and Newport, although in-form Bedwas did lower their colours at the Wern.

The Ironmen fired a statement of intent by thrashing the Black and Ambers 50-26 at Rodney Parade last round while the Steelmen were forced to dig deep for a 14-8 victory against Neath at the Gnoll.

"It's going to be a big test for us and we are all looking forward to it," said team manager Martyn Cooke.

"We haven't found our form yet and that needs to change on Saturday because Merthyr are certainly one of the better sides in the league after recruiting well. They look very comfortable in the Premiership.

"That means we have to be more consistent because we have only played in patches this season, although we are confident it will come together."

The trip to Merthyr means a first encounter of the season on a 3G pitch for Nigel Davies' side and they have prepared on the plastic surface of Ebbw Vale Sports Centre.

With the weather forecast looking kind, the Steelmen are looking to prove a point to the doubters who believe they are overly-reliant on their formidable tight game.

"It's totally different playing on a 3G pitch but we are confident that we will adapt our style accordingly," said Cooke.

"We won Premiership try of the season for one scored by a wing (Ryan Gardner), which shows what we are capable of, while we have a very attacking back line with Josh Lewis at 10 and Dai Langdon at 12."