IN-FORM Cross Keys know that they must produce their finest performance of the season against Pontypridd at Cardiff Arms Park to earn a date next door at the Millennium Stadium.

The men from Pandy Park were the last side to beat Ponty in the Swalec Cup when they famously lifted the trophy in 2012.

The champions are chasing a 'triple double' and last season left Keys clutching runners-up medals in both the Swalec Cup and Principality Premiership.

Greg Woods' team once again look to be the biggest challenger to Ponty and have been in sensational form to move from mid-table to being on the brink of securing second place in the Principality Premiership and a home semi-final in the playoffs.

They have won 12 of their last 13 but know that they still need to up their game in the capital this weekend.

"It's a huge test because Pontypridd are the standard bearers for the Premiership," said head coach Woods. "They are consistently very good and don't have many weaknesses.

"But this is semi-final footie and I think it could be one of the classics of the season – we are in a good place and know that we will have to play really well to win.

"All our best players have to play well; you can't have an off day against Pontypridd. If they do perform then we are in with a shout of winning."

Keys failed to produce the goods when downed 21-8 in a disappointing final at the Millennium Stadium last year and then were well beaten 38-17 at Sardis Road in the Premiership final.

"We've got a lot of wrongs to put right from the end of last year when we didn't do ourselves justice," said Woods.

"We've got pretty much the same team and the guys have waited a long time to show what they can do.

"I'm sure they won't take us lightly and I'd hope that they respect us as challengers because over a three-year period we've consistently been up there with them."

Keys head into the game fresh from a 20-13 derby win against Newport at Rodney Parade and squad tinkering has led to welcome selection headaches with Woods saying it will take a 23-man effort to beat the holders.

He said: "We will have a strong bench and it will need to be used. The boys have got to go hard for the first 50 minutes then the replacements will need to pick it up again.

"High energy is needed against Ponty. If you are not hitting rucks and getting around the corner then you aren't going to beaten them.

"We've got a strong 23 with some bright talent and experienced players. They are excited about testing themselves against the best at our level."