Euros Evans knows exactly what’s coming — and he’s under no illusions about the size of the challenge.
The Llandovery head coach says his unbeaten side must “cope with the juggernaut” when they head to Eugene Cross Park on Thursday night for a first-versus-second showdown with Ebbw Vale that could shape the Super Rygbi Cymru title race.
Both teams are flying.
The Drovers sit top of the table with four wins from four, while the Steelmen are just two points behind with three victories from three and a game in hand following last week’s postponed fixture in Cardiff.
Something has to give under the lights in Ebbw Vale.
The two sides have met ten times in recent seasons, winning five apiece, and last year’s semi-final between them remains one of the competition’s most memorable encounters — a bruising contest that Ebbw edged before losing to Newport in the final.
Evans, whose Llandovery side were league and cup finalists last term, is fully aware that this game will be as much about grit as flair.
“Jason has built an excellent team that has matured over the last few seasons and become a powerhouse in the SRC league,” said Evans.
“They play the way they play and you know what’s coming.
“The problem is, how do you stop them? They are so strong at the scrum and maul that you have to go there with a plan to keep their juggernaut out of your 22.
“If you can’t do that then you really are in trouble. Discipline is vital because any penalties from their 10 metre or closer means either Evan Lloyd or Dorian Jones is going to put them deep into your half and give them the chance to launch their pack from a line out.”
That physical dominance has become Ebbw Vale’s calling card since Jason Strange returned to the club two and a half years ago.
Their steady climb — from semi-finalists in 2023-24 to double finalists last season — has built a side that thrives on pressure and knows how to squeeze teams.
Much of that success has come from their formidable set-piece.
The driving maul remains the heartbeat of the Steelmen’s game, with captain and hooker Joe Franchi often finishing off the rolling power plays that start deep in opposition territory.
Franchi was the league’s top try scorer last year, frequently bagging hat-tricks from close range, while young understudy Ieuan Morris is now enjoying the same platform under forwards coach Aaron Coundley.
Ebbw’s team manager, Dilwyn Snelgrove, insists this year’s squad are more than just muscle.
“Teams might come up to us and just expect us to turn on the forward power, but we’ve got speed out wide now and a lot of belief in what we can achieve,” said Snelgrove.
“We are better and quicker behind the scrum this season and that means we are looking to play a more expansive game. But we can also revert to our forward game as well.”
That versatility makes Thursday’s clash even more intriguing.
Llandovery, known for their expansive and fast-paced attacking style, will look to exploit any space in Ebbw Vale’s defence — but only if they can first survive the onslaught up front.
“It’s a proper East v West Wales game and it has turned into something of a derby match for both teams in recent seasons,” Evans said.
“We know a lot about each other, and we know what we have to do to negate their strengths.
“That’s easier said than done, but we will be going there with the same kind of team that was good enough to go to Newport and win this season.”
Evans’ side arrive full of confidence after a faultless start to their campaign, but the head coach knows that the trip to Eugene Cross Park — where Ebbw Vale rarely lose — represents their toughest examination yet.
The Steelmen’s home form is formidable. They were beaten only once last season, in the final itself, and that was by Newport.
Their physical edge, fierce home support, and tactical clarity make them one of the hardest teams to face in the competition.
As the Drovers prepare to cross the Heads of the Valleys for what could be a defining night, Evans and his players know they’ll need both courage and composure to withstand the Ebbw Vale engine — and keep their perfect start intact.
