EBBW Vale have got to be prepared for a huge physical challenge against Agen at Stade Armandie tomorrow night, insists coach Mike Ruddock.

And Agen are performing so well this season that experienced outside-half Christophe Lamaison, pictured, one of the most skillful players in the game, can't even get into the side!

But it will all start up front which is where Ruddock expects a fierce challenge, especially after watching a tape of Agen beating French rivals Perpignan.

Ruddock is expecting to learn a great deal about his own players in the heat of the battle in the south-west of France.

"I watched the video of them against Perpignan and they smashed them. They look very strong," said Ruddock. "Agen have got a lot of shape, they're well organised in defence, they've got a very big scrummage and they're typically strong around the fringes so we know what to expect.

"I'll learn a lot about my players, they'll have to front up because it's going to be physical and if anyone doesn't meet that challenge then he won't perform. I'll learn a lot about the players and they'll learn a lot about themselves."

To illustrate the strength of the Agen team, Ruddock points to last season when rivals Caerphilly were trounced by them in France 82-5 after being 71-0 down at half-time.

But Ebbw Vale have shown that they can win in France, two years ago beating Toulon 21-19 to record their first victory over there.

"We've trained very well this week, we're very positive and we're looking forward to it," said Ruddock.

And on the inability of Lamaison to make the Agen side, Ruddock says: "It shows you how strong they are if he can't get into the team."