Deiniol told CardiffBlues.com;

"It is a landmark and an honour to be the first person to play 100 games for the Blues and something that I will very proud to achieve. This year has been a season which we have taken another step forward. We have a good mix here of experienced players and some good youngsters coming through. It's hard to think of any games that sand out but obviously this season the Stade Francais match at home was a great one."

In other team news, Xavier Rush returns to the starting line up, having missed the last home game of the season a fortnight ago against Ulster, while Jason Spice, Rhys Thomas and Scott Morgan also return to the starting XV.

Spice's inclusion is somewhat poignant, as the Kiwi's place in next season's squad has come under question this week. Reports from TriNationsWeb.com have been linking the Blues to South African scrum half, Fourie du Preez. While this is of course speculation, there seems to be some fabric behind this rumour, with Peter Thomas looking set to ask the WRU to allow 7 nWq players for next season.

Another player being linked away from the Arms Park is fan favourite, Marc Stcherbina. The Aussie centre could be on his way to rivals Newport Gwent Dragons due to the crippling foreign player ruling held by the WRU. Stitch however does not feature against Connacht, with Alfie and Shanklin remaining at 12 and 13.

Rhys Thomas starts ahead of Gareth Williams, while Paul Tito is rested for Scott Morgan. There's good news however, regarding the second row, as hot prospect, Bradley Davies, makes his long awaited return. The young Welshman has had a torrid season, being injured since November, however his return has come far earlier than expected, with physio Tim Atter previously expecting him to miss the remainder of the season.

Elsewhere it's as expected for the Welsh capitol, who admit they are favourites for the clash. Dai Young said on his team announcement;

"On paper it's a game we should go out and win but unfortunately for whatever reason, they have been a bit of a banana skin for us. With the team that we have selected, I fully expect us to get the result. It won't be easy, but I expect the quality in our team to shine through."

He also spoke on the achievements of Deiniol Jones;

"I think it's a measure of the guy's durability, who is playing in the engine room of the team. To play so many games while carrying bumps and bruises as he has is great testament to his commitment to the squad. He has been playing at a high standard for us and especially over the past two seasons he has been an unsung hero. I was thrilled this year when he got the recognition he deserved with being called up into the Welsh squad."

The match takes place at 18.30 on Friday 2^nd May at Connacht's Sportsground. The match is being televised on Satanta Sports.

Ben Blair, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas, Tom James, Nicky Robinson, Jason Spice,  Xavier Rush (c), Martyn Williams, Maama Molitika, Scott Morgan, Deiniol Jones, Taufa'ao Filise, T Rhys Thomas, Gethin Jenkins

John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Bradley Davies, Ben White, Mark Lewis, Richie Rees, Dai Flanagan

In other transfer news, on-loan wing, Tal Selley, will move to the Dragons next season, becoming the first player to play for all 4 Welsh regions. The Haverfordwest man has made 12 appearances for the Blues this term, scoring 4 tries. His last appearance was in the away loss to his original region, the Scarlets.

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