EBBW Vale head coach Greg Woods has called on his players to be 80-minute men when they hunt a fifth Premiership win on the spin at Neath tomorrow.

The Steelmen are second in the table thanks to successes against Llanelli, Aberavon, RGC and Bridgend yet feel they haven’t yet hit their straps.

Last week they sneaked a 17-16 win against the Ravens at Eugene Cross Park thanks to a late Rhys Jones penalty with Woods once again feeling his charges only played in patches.

“The first half was very good in the weather, at 14-3 up we had a try disallowed and if it hadn’t been then it would probably have been game over,” he said.

“In fairness to Bridgend they are a dogged side that kept going and we couldn’t put them away. We went behind with five minutes to go and it sparked something in us to camp in their 22 and come away with the points.

“Yes, our performances could be better but the boys are extremely fit and hungry, I have been really impressed with their attitude. It’s about chalking the wins up and we will get better as the season goes on.

“We will take the win but I’ve said to the players that we have probably just played four halves of rugby.

“The message has been that we need an 80-minute performance this weekend because Neath are fighting for their lives and it will be a huge challenge.”

The Welsh All Blacks are in the drop zone after suffering four losses, although a trio of consolation bonus points shows that last season's basement side have made strides.

“Neath have invested heavily in their squad and they will be tough to crack," said Woods.

"They are trying to gel as a team and we just have to make sure we don't kickstart their season.

"Neath have a big, heavy pack so we will have to match their physicality and get the tempo high.

"These sorts of games are going to be nervy because of what is at stake at the end of the season."

Woods will keep changes to a minimum with long-term injury victim Dai Langdon (shoulder) the only absentee.