The two sides meet at The Gnoll (KO 2.30pm) and while Neath will have one eye on the SWALEC Cup Final on Saturday week, Horgan knows it’s important to keep up the momentum as the Blacks look for an eighth place finish.
“It is probably fair to say that 2012-13 will not go down in the record books as the finest enjoyed by either Neath or Cardiff,” he said.
“Traditionally, the Cardiff fixture is always something we look forward to and long may it remain so. The visitors have their usual mix of proven Premiership players with a sprinkling of regional experience and promising youngsters and they beat us at the Arms Park in November.
“It has been a tough year and we want to finish our league season with a win to set us up nicely for next week’s final. We suffered a lot from injuries and that shows by our stats that 66 players have turned out for us in 2012-13.”
While Horgan is obviously looking for a win this Saturday, he knows the main aim for 2013 is to lift the SWALEC Cup at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday May 4.
He said: “The undoubted highlight of the season has been provided by our Cup run which saw us eliminate the holders Cross Keys, giant killers Bargoed and then Aberavon in the semi-final. The win over Llanelli was another high spot when a youthful Neath team beat a play-off chasing team that was full of regional quality.
“Several places for cup final selection remain in the balance and this is the last chance for some players to force their way into the team.
“Typical of the way this season has gone, we suffered further injuries at Llandovery with hooker Stuart Vokes and locks Euros Evans and Jonny Griffiths forced off. Euros and Jonny are undergoing intensive physiotherapy but Stuart is definitely out of the final as is promising back rower Calum Davies who dislocated his left shoulder playing for the College.
“We are looking to finish our Gnoll programme with a win before completing our preparations next week.”
While Neath have injury problems, Cardiff are able to call on Dan Fish and Jason Tovey to start against the Welsh All Blacks.
Fish inspired the Blue and Blacks to a midweek win at Swansea while skipper Shaun Powell starts in the slightly unusual position of inside centre.
