Greg Woods’ men recorded a 25-14 win away to Swansea in midweek and after a defeat to Pontypridd on the opening weekend, Keys look like they are now beginning to find their form.
Woods has kept the majority of the side who played against Swansea in place for the clash with Neath with just two changes in personnel and one change in position.
Dean Gunter returns in place of Dorian Jones at outside half. In the pack, Garry Horrigan comes in at hooker with Gerwyn Price moving to the back row to face his former side at openside flanker.
Price’s all round footballing ability and impressive form of late has seen Woods move him to the back row believing he will thrive on the extra opportunity to get his hands on the ball in open play.
Elsewhere, Luke Ford and Adam Powell both start against their former side with Anthony Lott potentially joining them after being named on the Keys’ bench.
Neath make two changes themselves with scrum-half Ben Jones taking over from Luc Jones who is playing for Monmouth School while loose head prop Nicky Downs replaces Owain Ford.
“At this early stage of the season we are trying to build a bit of continuity while bedding in new players,” said Neath coach Patrick Horgan.
“We had a good win over Carmarthen Quins on Wednesday and at times, when we were allowed to play, we put together some slick handling movements.
“But there were too many stoppages to make it much of a spectacle.
“After beating Swansea, Cross Keys will be up for this game but our boys will relish the chance to take on old team-mates like Luke Ford, Gerwyn Price and Adam Powell.”
Cross Keys: 15 Gareth David 14 Elliott Jones 13 Luke Ford 12 Aled James 11 Nathan Trowbridge 10 Dean Gunter 9 Ryan James (c), 1 Richard Cornock 2 Garry Horrigan 3 Craig Gould 4 Danny Hodge 5 Ollie Hodge 6 Rhys Peebles 7 Gerwyn Price 8 Adam Powell.
Replacements: Jamie Sollis, Anthony Lott, James Johnstone, Scott Matthews, Scott Andrews, Rhys Dyer, Dorian Jones, Luke Williams.
Neath: 15 Aaron Bramwell 14 Kevin James 13 Ryan Evans 12 Gareth McCarthy 11 Gareth King 10 David Langdon 9 Ben Jones, 1 Nicky Downs 2 Rhodri Clancy 3 Tom Price 4 Euros Evans 5 Rhys Jones 6 Gareth Gravell (c) 7 Tom Morgan 8 Lee Evans.
Replacements: Owain Ford, Aled Williams, James Reeves, Alun Evans, Leon Ward, Elliot Jones, Kyle Davies, Huw Rees.
