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Four-times champions Neath took Newport's unbeaten tag last week in a 29-19 victory which featured first tries for the club by scrum-half Kevin Farrell and fast-developing young lock Haydn Pugh.
New Zealander Farrell made a big impression on his debut and he has been joined at The Gnoll by another Kiwi in utility back Matty James who goes straight into the squad.
The Kiwi connection is timely for the Welsh All Blacks who lost both first-choice halfbacks on the eve of the season when Howard Thomas badly dislocated his shoulder in training and Wales Under-20 scrum-half Gareth Williams succumbed to Harlequins' temptations.
Neath anticipate losing young halves Matthew Jarvis and Tavis Knoyle to Ospreys and Wales Under-20's duties and the situation has forced Arwel Thomas to reconsider his retirement plans and head coach Patrick Horgan did bench duty in the 62-20 success against Cross Keys.
With Cardiff fielding Australian full back Tim Mosey who scored a debut try of his own in Cardiff's 25-26 defeat by Ebbw Vale, there will be a touch of the Southern Hemisphere about The Gnoll.
The Neath squad shows four additions to the 22 which did duty last week. Along with New Zealander James, hooker James Richards and flanker Gareth Gravell are back in the frame so too promising young forward Ciaran Ruddock who helped Ebbw Vale beat Cardiff at the Arms Park last week.
"The visit of Cardiff to The Gnoll is one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the list for players and fans alike and I am sure that will be the case on Saturday
Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips, said: "Cardiff's league position is a false one as their opening game at Cross Keys was postponed and they remain one of the most accomplished sides in the Premiership with probably the biggest pack and good runners behind.
"Games between the two clubs are generally entertaining and we are mindful that they have the best League record of all Premiership clubs against Neath.
"We were encouraged by our 29-21 win over previously unbeaten Newport last week as they have been playing well. We kept going against a powerful outfit and I felt we deserved to take the spoils in the end. We will need more of the same against Cardiff but we will be seeking more precision."
Neath (from):
G.King; D.Evans, M.Nuthall, K.James, W.Mitchell, D.Lockyer, M.James, A.Thomas, M.Jarvis, G.James, T.Knoyle, K.Farrell; M.Jones, C.Mitchell, N.Downs, A.Littlehales, J.Richards, E.Evans, H.Pugh, N.Edwards; C.Ruddock, L.Evans, J.Bowd, L.Beach (captain), G.Gravell, J.Merriman
