Jones, Rush, Rees back for Cardiff

Second-row Deiniol Jones, number eight Xavier Rush and scrmu-half Richie Rees all return from injury for Friday night’s Magner's League clash against Connacht at The Arms Park (7.05).

Jones will start in the engine room, while Ruish and Rees have to be content with a place on the bench. John Yapp will make his first start for the team at loose-head and Pontypridd hooker Rhys Williams has a place on the bench.

Ben Blair is rested giving young prospect Leigh Halfpenny the chance to shine at full back having impressed on the wing in the match against Ulster.

Coach Dai Young said: “We know it won’t be easy, as Connacht always deliver a very honest, workmanlike performance, with players really playing their hearts out for each other.

"They are also very well organised by their coaching staff. There’s plenty of variation in their game but I’d like to think, physically and skills wise, we’d have the edge on them,” he said.

CARDIFF BLUES (v Connacht):

15 Leigh Halfpenny

14 Richard Mustoe

13 Jamie Robinson

12 Jamie Roberts

11 Gareth Thomas

10 Ceri Sweeney

9 Jason Spice

8 Andy Powell

7 Robin Sowden Taylor

6 Maama Molitika

5 Paul Tito (c)

4 Deiniol Jones

3 Gary Powell

2 T. Rhys Thomas

1 John Yapp.

Replacements:

16 Taufa’ao Filise

17 Rhys Williams

18 Scott Morgan

19 Xavier Rush

20 Richie Rees

21 Nicky Robinson

22 Tom Shanklin.