One player hoping more than most that the game goes ahead is centre Jonathan Spratt who will make his first appearance of the season after suffering a disc problem playing in the New Zealand provincial championship.
Also back in contention are wingers David Evans and Liam Powell, scrum-half Tavis Knoyle, prop Craig Mitchell, hooker Andy Littlehales and lock Haydn Pugh while prop Johnny Thomas has rejoined from Cwmllynfell.
Director of rugby Rowland Phillips says his players have benefitted from extra training sessions and are raring to go.
“Last week’s postponement was disappointing not least for our ground-staff who had covered the ground early but to no avail so we hope to get back into action at Cross Keys after enjoying two positive outdoor training-sessions at The Gnoll in midweek,” he said.
“We have a great respect for Cross Keys rugby and they had a big win against Newport last time out. They have some very good players and the arrival of Mark Ring as coach has lifted them.
“Our boys have reaped the reward for the extra training they have been putting in recently and, with one or two players beginning to return, we have added depth but we need to keep improving.”
“I’ve been delighted with the results we’ve got recently. The wins against Llanelli, then at Pontypool, at Maesteg in the Cup and at Aberavon were very encouraging. The important thing now is to find consistency to take us through to the end of the season but we need to focus now firmly on Cross Keys.”
Neath (from): G.King, M.Nuthall, D.Evans, K.Phillips, L.Powell, G.James, K.James, W. Mitchell, J.Spratt, M.Jarvis, A.Thomas, M.James, K.Farrell, T.Knoyle; P.Jones, J.Thomas, A.Howell, N.Downs, C.Mitchell, G.Price, A.Littlehales, E.Evans, N.Edwards, H.Pugh, C.Ruddock, L.Evans, J.Merriman, G.Gravell, L.Beach (captain)
