EBBW Vale head west this afternoon attempting to secure the perfect tune-up for their WRU National Cup quarter-final by beating Llandovery.

The Steelmen’s prime focus this season is securing a big day out at Principality Stadium and on Wednesday they face a crunch clash at Bargoed in the last eight.

However, before that they travel to Church Bank (kick-off 1pm) to take on a Drovers side who have their own important cup date, at Cross Keys on Wednesday, looming.

Ebbw have been in fine form since Greg Woods took the reins and travel to Llandovery on a run of six wins from their last seven in all competitions, albeit the solitary defeat was a painful one at Newport.

The head coach has been pleased that the Steelmen have rediscovered their bloody-mindedness and they head west on the back of a hard-earned 22-6 win against Neath, a success that featured tries by scrum-half Dai Jones, flanker Ronny Kynes and wing Toby Fricker at Eugene Cross Park.

Woods doesn’t tinker with that winning formula and names the same matchday 23 with two changes to his XV.

Hooker Joe Franchi and lock Josh Jacas earn starts with Rhys Francis and Lance Randall among the replacements.

Bargoed were meant to be entertaining RGC 1404 before their clash with the Steelmen but the fixture has fallen victim to the weather.

Heavy rain meant that the pitch was unplayable with an early decision made to ensure the north Walians, who started the weekend a point behind leaders Carmarthen Quins, didn’t have a wasted journey to Gwent.

In today’s other fixtures the Quins attempt to retain their top spot by beating Cardiff at home while champions Merthyr bid to bounce back against struggling Llanelli after losing to Newport.

Meanwhile, the Black and Ambers have launched a series of rugby camps for children in the city over the Easter holidays.

Newport will hold their first event on Friday, April 13 at Rougemont School with head coach Craig Warlow and fly-half Matt O’Brien taking the lead and passing on tips of the trade.

The day will run from 8.30am to 5pm and costs £35 per child with all ages and abilities welcome. Places can be booked by filling out a form on blackandambers.co.uk or emailing finance@newportrfc.co.uk.

Ebbw Vale (at Llandovery): D Haymond, S Thomas, J Lewis, D Franchi, T Fricker, D Langdon, D Jones, J Harries, J Franchi, R Sevenoaks, K Parker, J Jacas, R Clarke, R Kynes (captain), L Young. Replacements: R Francis, C Hicks, J Rogers, L Randall, J Davies, S Ireland, T Hoppe, L Dennett.