On Wales' summer tour of Australia last year, then 21 year old Czekaj was beginning to show his huge potential to the rugby world, with the now infamous 2007 Rugby World Cup just weeks away, and Chris set to be called up.

But it wasn't to be, as during the second test, Chris fell awkwardly after during a tackle, as the giant flyer broke his femur, or thigh bone to you and me. It's the strongest bone in the human body, and therefore hardest to break, so you can imagine the excruciating pain he went through that day.

But in an almost miraculous recovery, Chris Czekaj's name features on the team sheet in the Blues opening friendly tomorrow night at Sardis road.

"I have to say though that the rehab overall was not as bad as I feared. I had good days and bad days, but the whole thing seemed to progress quite quickly. There are always things you can take out of an experience like that, it can make you stronger in some ways."

Undoubtedly, Czekaj's determination and character have been put to the biggest test in the past year, but he's come through with flying colours. His comeback will nearly be complete when he takes to the field after such a long absence, but he's not under any illusions about his ambitions and the seriousness of the injury.

"I wouldn't say I am nervous about contact, but I admit I am not sure how I will feel when it happens. But the important thing is that I am comfortable with the way things have gone so far and it's been great to be back in training. My sprint times were good when we did testing and in many ways I feel quicker now."

"I'll start back playing Premiership rugby and I will be pleased to do that. I don't think it would be good for me to try to go straight back in at the higher level. How long will that be for? I'll see how it goes, but if you pushed me I would say I hope to be back for the Blues by October."

In other news, new signings Richard Mustoe and Ceri Sweeney make their debuts, while Aled Brew will make his from the bench probably at half time. Paul Ttio captains the Blues for the first time since the announcement that he will take over the reigns from Xavier Rush. Wales tourists Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams have all been left out of the squad.

The team to take on a Blues Premiership XV is,

Ben Blair; Richard Mustoe, Gareth Thomas, Dafydd Hewitt, Chris Czekaj; Ceri Sweeney, Richie Rees; Rhys Gill, Rhys Thomas, Gary Powell, James Down, Paul Tito (capt), Maama Molitika, Sam Warbuton, Mark Lewis.

Ross Johnson, Damien Welch, John Yapp, Darren Allinson, Dai Flannigan, Tom James, Aled Brew, Nicky Robinson, Jason Spice, Andy Powell, Robin Sowden Taylor, Ben White, Scott Morgan, Bradley Davies, Taufa'ao Filise, Gareth Williams, Scott Roberts

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