The three-times capped international has been sidelined with hand and leg injuries since the club game at Caerphilly last May and has missed the Blues’ start to the Celtic League campaign.
The Blues have a first-round bye in the Celtic Cup this weekend but several of their players will test their match fitness with the Premier Division side.
As well as Powell, number 8 Nathan Thomas starts against Bridgend after two weeks on the Blues’ replacement bench.
Also in this evening’s team are Richard Jones, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Chris Stamatakis and Ryan Price, further emphasising the interaction between the semi-professional club team and the regional squad flying the flag in the Celtic League and Cup.
Prop Darren Crompton who has missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury is expected to play for Cardiff against Llandovery at the Arms Park on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm) ahead of the Blues next Celtic League fixture against The Borders at Galashiels on 26 September.
Cardiff team v Bridgend: Elgan Jones; Jamie Henthorn, Richard Jones, Gareth Bowen, Francesco Brillante; Gareth McCarthy, Ryan Powell; Rob Benson, Ryan Price, Darren Fenton, Gareth Knight, Chris Stamatakis, Nick Hampson, Nathan Thomas, Robin Sowden-Taylor
Replacements: Lewis Collins, Ross Davies, Alex Luff, Peter de Snyder, Owen Ruttley, Chris John, Leon Andrews
Premier Division Fixtures 17/09/03
Aberavon v Swansea
Bedwas v Caerphilly
Bridgend v Cardiff
Carmarthen Quins v Llandovery
Ebbw Vale v Pontypool
Neath v Llanelli
Newbridge v Cross Keys
Pontypridd v Newport
