"THE best I have seen all season" - that's the verdict of Ebbw Vale coach Mike Ruddock as his side prepare to contain the talents of Newport scrum-half Ofisa Tonu'u.

Ebbw were unlucky to lose out to Cardiff at the Arms Park in last Saturday's 26-16 defeat and Ruddock is hopeful Vale can give Newport just as hard a time at Eugene Cross Park tomorrow night in the Welsh/Scottish League (7.05pm).

But Ruddock is all too aware that his side are the underdogs in the Gwent derby as they take on league leaders stacked with talent they can only dream about up the valley. Vale may be second from bottom in the league, but the Steelmen have forged a young side out of hard work and tactical nous under Ruddock's coaching.

They also did well against Newport having lost only 35-25 at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day, while there was only one try in it as they lost the Principality Cup semi-final last season 19-12.

Ruddock said: "I was quite pleased with our performance down there at Christmas, we were within 10 points of them and didn't give up.

"But their forwards are excellent, a good mixture of scrummagers, who carry the ball well. "Their flanker Jason Forster has been magnificent all season and as for Tonu'u, well he's the best thing I have seen all season."

Ruddock was referring to the Tongan's blockbusting performance in last Saturday's 55-5 win in which the ex-All Black scored a hat-trick.

But Ruddock's team will not be easy push overs as recent wins over Neath and Newport - trust me, this team would love to get a win over Gwent's city slickers. He has kept faith in the XV that did so well in the capital with Shaun Connor at fly half on permit from Neath, Matt James reverts to full back and Gareth Cull moves to the wing.

The only question mark for Vale's backs coach Kevin Hopkins to decide is whether Aaron Takarangi or Andrew Wagstaff takes the vacant wing berth. Much will depend on the weather, Takarangi's speed suits the hard ground, while Wagstaff's strength favours the heavy conditions.

Ebbw Vale: M James, G Cull, P Matthews, R Shorney, A Wagstaff, A Takarangi, S Connor, L Lane, I Thomas, L Phillips (captain), M Jones, O Booyse, N Edwards, R Williams, P Williams, W Thomas. Replacements: D Penisini, J Evans, C Billen, K Tuipulotu, K Ellis, M Ridley, A Wagstaff/A Takarangi.