WALES sevens international Rhys Jones gets the nod to pull the strings from fly-half in Cross Keys’ Principality Premiership derby with Bedwas at Pandy Park this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

Keys are without Angus O’Brien and Dorian Jones because they start for Newport Gwent Dragons against Glasgow so the latter’s older brother wears the number 10 jersey.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed most of his rugby at full-back of late but came through the ranks at Sale as a fly-half and played there for Wales Under-20s.

“Rhys is a quality player and has had some outstanding games for the club,” said Keys head coach Greg Woods. “He is the ultimate pro and we are glad to have him back to help us while our two young fly-halves are with the Dragons.”

Keys got their season off to a flying start by beating Aberavon 33-18 at the Talbot Athletic Ground but still make a number of changes.

James Cordy-Redden moves to full-back with Polu Uhi coming in on the wing, Aled James slots in at inside centre and Nathan Trowbridge is on the left flank. Hooker Darren Hughes and flanker Reuben Tucker are recalled up front.

Bedwas will hope that inside centre Lewis Bowden, who is on permit from Senghenydd, can shore up their leaky midfield.

He is one of seven changes to the side that lost 37-30 to Llanelli on opening weekend with scrum-half Joe Smith, wing Matthew John, number eight Dan Crimmins, tighthead Matthew Pettit, hooker Rhys Hutcherson and (former Keys) loosehead Dan Preece all getting the nod from head coach Steve Law.

Ebbw Vale impressed on their return to the top flight when they beat Llandovery 30-29 at Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen head to the Gnoll this afternoon to take on a Neath side that narrowly avoided the drop last season.

Ebbw will be hoping for a repeat of their 20-15 triumph when the sides met out west in April 2009, tries by wing Ieuan Coombes and fly-half Andrew Williams proving decisive on that occasion.

Neath were beaten 38-7 by champions Pontypridd on opening day.

Cross Keys (v Bedwas): J Cordy-Redden, P Uhi, L Andrews (captain), A James, N Trowbridge, R Jones, R James, L Garrett, D Hughes, A Lott, D Hodge, S Andrews, R Tucker, S Matthews, A Powell. Replacements: J Howard, K Bale, C Gould, J Condy, N Williams, P Williams, J Leadbeater, S Williams.

Bedwas (at Cross Keys): H Thomson, L Hudd, A Pinches, L Bowden, M John, R Powell, J Smith, D Preece, R Hutcherson, M Pettit, P Rees, A Lee, J Thomas, J Sawyer, D Crimmins. Replacements: R Wilkes, B THoms, I Jenkins, J Walker, J Hayward, R Rowlands, J Maynard, R Budina.

Ebbw Vale (at Neath): D Haymond, W Cunliffe, N Preece, A Jones, O Williams, I Smerdon, C Thomas, R Jones, M Williams, G Robinson, D Hudd (captain), A Sweet, C Regan, R Kynes, S Gibson.