Cardiff Blues make 10 changes to team

British and Irish Lions stars Tom Shanklin, Martyn Williams and Gethin Jenkins all return for the Cardiff Blues in a team that shows 10 changes from the one that defeated Munster at Musgrave Park last Friday.

Tal Selley and Shanklin will form a new centre partnership with Rhys Williams returning to the wing and Dai Flanagan making his first start of the season at number 10.

In the second row there is also a new partnership with Paul Tito and Deiniol Jones starting. In the front row Gethin Jenkins and Scott Roberts start with Mark Lewis and Martyn Williams starting in the back row.

Speaking of the selection Cardiff Blues Director of Coaching David Young said:

"We want to involve as many of the Welsh international as possible. The Heineken Cup is around the corner and we've used our squad rotation as much as possible."

"We felt it was important to give the boys an opportunity to play so when it comes to the Heineken Cup and EDF Energy Cup we're picking our best team available."

The Blues however were dealt injury blows in the hard fought win out in Cork.

"Jamie Robinson broke his thumb in the match against Munster and will be out for two to three weeks, while Marc Stcherbina is still not ready and Dafydd Hewitt is struggling with a minor hamstring injury."

"In the forwards John Yapp pulled a calf muscle and will be out for two weeks and Gary Powell also has a calf strain. On the positive side Andy Powell should be back with us in a week or so."

Having started all the games so far this season Xavier Rush and Nick Robinson are rested.

Speaking of the opposition David young said:

"Connacht are always a difficult team to beat they are a workmanlike side with no stars and a team that plays together week in week out."

"They don't have many disruptions for international matches and know each others play extremely well."

"I've certainly got a lot of respect for their coach Michael Bradley. He is very innovative and makes you do your homework when it comes to analysis of the way they play."

The Cardiff Blues Mad Magners Monday proved to be very popular with supporters purchasing tickets at half price and having the chance to win signed merchandise

To celebrate Cardiff Blues being top of the Magners League, the offer for half price tickets has been extended to 5.00pm on Wednesday.

The first 10 supporters to buy the half price tickets will receive a FREE case of Magners or Magners merchandise. Furthermore if you take advantage of the ticket offer you will be entered into a draw to win a signed Cardiff Blues shirt.

Cardiff Blues

15 Ben Blair
14 Rhys Williams
13 Tal Selley
12 Tom Shanklin
11 Tom James
10 Dai Flanagan
9 Richie Rees

8 Mark Lewis
7 Martyn Williams
6 Scott Morgan
5 Paul Tito
4 Deiniol Jones
3 Scott Roberts
2 Gareth Williams
1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Taufa'ao Filise
17 T Rhys Thomas
18 Bradley Davies
19 Maama Molitika
20 Jason Spice
21 Nick Macleod
22 Gareth Thomas / Jamie Roberts