Rhys Williams comes in for Roger Davies at full back in what will be his 184th game for Cardiff or the Blues.
Team administrator Keith Morgan said, “We were obviously very pleased to come away from Pontypool Park with a bonus point victory and the coaching staff understandably believe that the bulk of the team should start again this week. The only minor tweak is that Roger and Rhys are reversing their roles from Pontypool where Rhys began on the bench.”
Two additions to the replacements are prop Phil Osborne and the return of Damian Welch after IRB Sevens’ duty with Wales in Dubai last month.
This season’s first fixture between Cardiff and Cross Keys was postponed after an unseasonal monsoon in early September left Pandy Park waterlogged. Last season Cardiff completed a Premiership double, following up a 35-21 win at Cross Keys with a 23-19 victory at the Arms Park last January.
Team: Rhys Williams; Ryan Howells, Gareth Chapman, Darren Ryan, Chris Czekaj; Gareth Davies, Owen Ruttley (captain); Scott Roberts, Garry Horrigan, Kristian Gay, Matthew Veater, James Down, Adam Powell, Craig Everett, Rhys Shellard.
Replacements: Kieran Crawford, Ian George, Phil Osborne, Damian Welch, Lee Jarvis, Garyn Lucas, Roger Davies.
