MIKE Ruddock takes his Ebbw Vale side to France this weekend in the search for his first win on French soil as the Steelmen look to capitalise on their 29-3 win over Pau last night.

At the third time of trying, Vale finally played their European Shield quarter-final tie against Pau at Newport's Rodney Parade and scored tries through hooker Jon Evans and number eight Kati Tuipulotu to take a 26-point advantage into Saturday's return.

A last four berth would be Vale's best-ever performance in the competition, but Pau will welcome back national squad members Damien Traille and Imanol Harinordoquy.

The Steelmen have now won four of their last five matches and are desperate to meet Castres in the semi-final. Ruddock, though, is under no illusions of the job in hand.

He said: "We know it's going to be much harder in France and they have quality players to return.

"But last night's result is more than we had hoped for. It's important to get distance on the scoreboard as plenty of sides have gone to France and been well beaten."

Second row Neil Edwards has had a recurrence of his shoulder injury last night and is doubtful for the return trip to Pau.