Jones joined the Blues from the Celtic Warriors in 2004 and as been one of the most consistent performers for the region over recent seasons. The commitment and hard work that Jones puts into every match was finally recognized by the Welsh selectors when Deiniol was recalled in to the successful Welsh squad for the RBS Six Nations 2008 after a five year absence.
Speaking of the achievement Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said, “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.”
“He’s been a big part of our performances up front this year. He’s very underestimated as a player and it’s only now he’s getting the recognition for his play.”
Speaking at the Hensol Castle training centre Deiniol said, “It is a landmark and an honour to be the first person to play 100 games for the Blues and something that I will be 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. Unfortunately we have not won anything but we have been very competitive in the league and taken a step forward in Europe. We have also put in some good performances away from home.”
“It’s hard to think of any games that stand out but obviously this season the Stade Francais match at home was a great one. Unfortunately we didn’t play at our best in Toulouse, which is something we have to do against the big European teams.”
The Blues have won their last three matches in the Magners League against Edinburgh, Scarlets and Ulster and have won four of their last five games against Irish teams. Connacht have met the Blues on nine previous occasions and been victorious just once: 13-9 at the Sportsground on September 3rd, 2005.
Xavier Rush returns from an injury to his bicep to lead the team in Galway and in all there are four changes from the Blues team that played so well against Ulster in the first half two weeks ago. Spice replaces Rees at scrum half, Rhys Thomas starts at hooker and Scott Morgan at lock. Amongst the subs there is a return for Bradley Davies who due to injury has not made a competitive start since November.
Speaking of the match David Young said, “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. We realise that and know it’s a very important game but it’s a difficult place to get a result. They are a determined team and play on your mistakes. 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.”
“It’s been a talking point for us to be the best placed Welsh team at the end of the season and a win on Friday should cement that. Being second in the league is a bit out of our hands, because it depends how Munster do, but being second isn’t as important to me as being the best Welsh team.”
Cardiff Blues: 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
Replacements: John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Bradley Davies, Ben White, Mark Lewis, Richie Rees, Dai Flanagan
Connacht (from): Liam Bibo, Andrew Browne, Mel Deane, Gavin Duffy, Andrew Dunne, Peter Durcan, Andrew Farley, Adrian Flavin, John Fogarty, David Gannon, Ronan Loughney, Michael McCarthy, Conor McPhillips, Keith Matthews, Kevin Moran, Robbie Morris, Matt Mostyn, John Muldoon, Troy Nathan, John O’Connor, Ray Ofisa, Colm Rigney, Daniel Riordan, Rob Shaw, Ofisa Treviranus, Brett Wilkinson, Darren Yapp
