The Welsh All Blacks’ season has been largely disappointing so far having won just five of their 14 league games this season.
At Pandy Park back in September Keys hammered the Blacks 41-10. Crossing the line for Keys were Elliot Jones, Luke Ford, Luke Williams and Danny Hodge whilst a penalty try was also awarded to the home side. Dean Gunter was impeccable with the boot kicking five conversions and also adding two penalties. Neath, who had Tom Morgan red carded late on, could only respond with a try each for Ryan Evans and Alun Wyn-Davies. Friday evening is likely to be slightly tougher for Keys.
It could be a case of friends reunited on Friday evening with plenty of players having worn the jerseys of both sides in recent times. For Keys, Anthony Lott, Adam Powell and Luke Ford have all worn the famous all black strip whilst Neath have former Keys players Marc Jones, Rhys Williams, Stuart Vokes and Dai Langdon in their ranks now.
This week saw another player who has represented both Neath but more recently Keys, make the decision to join Glasgow Warriors on loan until the end of the season. Hooker Gerwyn Price is scheduled to make his debut for the Warriors in the Rabo Direct PRO12 game against Zebre on Sunday and deserves the opportunity to play at a higher level.
Back to Friday evening then and the Keys are able to welcome back several players. Wing Kristian Baller returns as does Luke Ford who plays his first game since Keys were defeated at Carmarthen back in early November.
With Keys losing two hookers in the space of a week due to Garry Horrigan’s enforced retirement and Price joining Glasgow, Keys call upon Pontypool hooker Ben Parry whilst cover is provided on the bench by Rhys Miller who has returned to Keys after taking a break from the game.
For Neath, head coach Pat Horgan knows his side are in for a tough test.
“We still have a hefty injury list but our last competitive outing produced an entertaining home win over Stirling County and we are looking to continue the good work,” he said.
Neath: 15 Aaron Bramwell 14 Bowdy Davies 13 Lloyd Phillips 12 Dean Cummins 11 Chris Morgans 10 David Langdon, 9 Luc Jones 1 Roy Jones 2 Rhodri Clancy 3 Marc Jones 4 Rhys Jones 5 Jonny Griffiths 6 Lee Evans (c) 7 Leon Ward 8 Steffan Jones.
Replacements: Rowan Davies, Alun Wyn Davies, Ceri Jones, A.N. Other, Matthew Rees, Kevin James, John Leyshon.
Cross Keys: 15 Gareth David 14 Kristian Baller 13 Leon Andrews 12 Luke Ford 11 Luke Williams 10 Dorian Jones 9 Rhys Dyer, 1 Richard Cornock 2 Ben Parry 3 Anthony Lott 4 Danny Hodge 5 Ollie Hodge 6 Tom Lampard 7 Rob Nash (c) 8 Adam Powell.
Replacements: James Johnstone, Rhys Miller, Craig Gould, Sean Higgins, Scott Matthews, Ryan James, Dean Gunter, Aled James.
