EBBW Vale’s forwards must be up for going toe-to-toe with their Cardiff counterparts when the in-form capital outfit visit Eugene Cross Park today (kick-off 2.30pm), according to Greg Woods.

Steelmen head coach Woods is in no doubt that the Blue & Blacks, who are chasing a 10th straight win in the Principality Premiership, will provide an exceptionally stern test for the home pack.

After back-to-back victories, against Carmarthen Quins and Bargoed, Ebbw sit fifth in the league table, two places and five points adrift of Steve Law’s Cardiff.

“We’re fully aware just how tough a challenge it’s going to be on Saturday,” said Woods.

“They’ve got a really big pack made up of players with plenty of Premiership experience. They’ve won nine games on the trot and that run has been built around a solid set-piece.

“They’ve got a big scrum and some big ball carriers, so our pack has got to be up for the challenge.”

Ebbw called on Dragons Josh Lewis, Jack Dixon, Dafydd Howells and Chris Coleman for last Saturday’s 35-21 bonus-point success at Bargoed Park.

Lewis and Dixon were among the try scorers as the Steelmen, now skippered by Ashley Sweet with Ronny Kynes injured, won for the ninth time this term.

Woods is able to call on the Dragons again today but this time it’s former RGC 1404 playmaker Jacob Botica who is pulling on an Ebbw jersey.

Botica featured in the 24-19 loss to Pontypridd on October 20 and last weekend was man of the match for Cross Keys in their defeat of Llandovery.

“Jacob is a good Premiership operator who hasn’t had his breakthrough yet at regional level,” added Woods.

The Bargoed game was Ebbw’s first since they lost Kynes for the rest of the season.

Replacement Lloyd Evans impressed Woods with his display against a Bargoed side that never gave in.

“Lloyd played really well and scored a great try,” said Woods. “Ronny is captain of the club and is still trying to help as much as he can in and around the place.

“Ashley was the natural choice to stand in for Ronny.

“He’s got leadership skills and experience, he runs the lineout, and is Ebbw Vale through and through.”

A minute’s silence will be held before the match in memory of Ebbw committee man Colin Brennan who passed away suddenly this week.

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond; P King, C Meyer, J Botica, T Fricker; Rh Jones, D Jones; L Garrett, R Francis, R Sevenoaks, R Clarke, A Sweet (capt), C Regan, L Evans, L Young. Reps: J Franchi, Ro Jones, C Coleman, K Parker, J Davies, M Flanagan, J Lewis, S Thomas.