CROSS Keys director of rugby Jonathan Westwood says their mouth-watering WRU National Cup quarter-final with Pontypool is no David versus Goliath tale, but is happy to accept the tag of favourites at Pandy Park.

Keys will attempt to avoid becoming a third Premiership scalp for runaway Championship leaders Pooler after their successes at Llanelli and Cardiff.

The teams haven't met since January 2012 and it's sure to be a spicy affair with a big day out at Principality Stadium just 160 minutes away.

"It's a massive game for both clubs," said Westwood. "Pontypool have had two excellent wins at Llanelli and Cardiff but we weren't surprised by that.

"We are playing a Premiership side in all but name but I understand that we are favourites – I'd be disappointed if we weren't playing at Pandy Park.

"With the squad that they have assembled we will not be taking them lightly and there is no doubt that we will have to put in a big performance.

"Pontypool will have been hugely disappointed to miss out on the Premiership last season but to be fair to them they have regrouped.

"Their owners have put their money where their mouth is – their wage bill will be in excess of ours – and they are professional on and off the field with a plan.

"Their supporters have also stuck with them and I hear that they took a lot to Llanelli and Cardiff; all credit to them and we look forward to seeing them here."

Keys famously dashed the cup hopes of a quality second-tier side in 2012 when they edged out Ebbw Vale on try count in a semi-final at Rodney Parade.

They went on to stun Pontypridd in the capital and the man who lifted the trophy on that famous day, flanker Rob Nash, is now back with Pooler.

Westwood said: "He's a cracking guy and I just hope that he doesn't play well! We know what a good player Nashy can be – he wasn't just a good servant for Cross Keys he was an outstanding player and captain.

"If he is at that level he will cause us major problems because he has been the spark for whatever team he has played for."

Keys have got over their disappointment at missing out on the top half of the Premiership by starting Tier Two with a trio of victories.

"We believe we are a top eight side so we have underachieved and the cup provides us with something to get out of the season," said Westwood.

"We have been much better recently to win our last six and were very professional in beating Neath and Swansea. We are in a better place but know that Pontypool will be a big challenge.

"With recent weather the pitch will be heavy so it will come down to whoever wins the exchanges up front."