EBBW VALE will be looking to put last weekend's disappointing 42-22 defeat by Bridgend behind them when they take on Llanelli at Stradey Park tomorrow (7pm).

Vale coach Mike Ruddock was upset by his side's slow start at the Brewery Field last Friday when they trailed 19-3 after only 22 minutes and will urge his side to come out with all guns blazing against a relatively under-strength Llanelli side.

"We made a poor start against Bridgend and that cost us," admitted Ruddock.

"Before we knew it we were nearly 20 points down and from there it was near impossible to come back.

"It won't be the strongest Llanelli team in the world so if we can get off to a better start then we should be able to take advantage of that.

"But as I say to my players in every game it's crucial for us to keep concentrating for the entire 80 minutes."

Although Llanelli will be without several Welsh internationals, Ruddock feels they will still be a difficult proposition.

"In terms of numbers then we could probably match them," he said.

"But the strength and quality of their fringe players is better than ours which is why I'm expecting a tough game.

"Their pack will still be hugely experienced and it will be tough up-front. But if we can exploit their half-back partnership then we can punish them.

"The grounds are getting harder so there should be more free-flowing rugby which in a way suits us."

Llanelli were criticised earlier this season for fielding a hugely depleted team in their Welsh Premiership defeat by the Steelmen.

They were accused of showing a lack of respect to a competition which plays second-fiddle at Stradey Park to the Heineken Cup.

The purists will be far from impressed if they name another weakened team, but Ruddock said: "We won't complain. They don't have to play a weakened team. It was their choice to play the fixture on Friday." Vale are likely to be without Richard Davies and Scot Mitchell for the trip.