Ebbw Vale RFC Nigel Davies expecting big things from last-eight clash

A place in the last four of the competition is up for grabs when Davies’ Ebbw Vale host fellow Principality Premiership tier one outfit Merthyr (kick-off 2.30pm).

The visitors came out on top in the three previous meetings between the teams this season, including the Premiership fixture at the Wern in October.

But Ebbw are a different animal these days and head coach Davies is delighted with the way his men have kick-started the defence of their league title in recent weeks.

And he reckons the supporters can expect a high standard of rugby in the fourth Steelmen-Ironmen showdown of the campaign.

“If both sides play to the best of their ability then I really believe it’s going to be a high quality game,” he said. “I think it could be touching on regional level.

“Merthyr have been excellent and have a strong squad, and we’ve started to show signs of the performances we put in towards the end of last season.

“Both sides are looking to play well and know they have to play well to get the result.”

After scraping into the Premiership’s top eight in early January, and losing their opening tier one match against Bedwas, Ebbw’s form has improved.

Hard-fought victories over Aberavon and Carmarthen Quins, alongside a second round cup defeat of Beddau, means morale at Eugene Cross Park is really beginning to soar.

“Since qualifying for the top eight we’ve had boys back from injury and been able to blood a few new players,” he added.

“Our performances have really shown that we are definitely turning the corner and we have got to keep the momentum going.

“All season it has been about the league and the cup, and we are at the top of the table in one and the quarter-finals of the other.

“We’ve now got more consistency in our selection and individuals know they have to perform to keep the jersey.”

Also in the cup tomorrow, Pontypridd go to last season’s runners-up Carmarthen Quins and RGC 1404 host reigning champions Llandovery.