The other change to the back line is a call-up for Rhys Patchell who plays in the full back jersey.
Hooker Ethan Lewis is handed a starting spot up front while Jarrod Hoeata returns in the second row to partner Lou Reed.
The final change to the team comes in the back row as Macauley Cook comes in at blindside with Josh Turnbull moving to openside flanker.
USA international Cam Dolan and Wales Under-20 centre Garyn Smith are named among the replacements.
Head Coach Danny Wilson said: "We're all looking forward to facing the league leaders and top try points scorers in the Guinness PRO12 on home soil.
"Connacht have built a squad over a period of years that has really gelled together and they are really starting to see the fruits of that labour.
"They have had consistency and stability and there is real togetherness under Pat Lam. They have recruited well and also developed from within.
"We know what a task it is to play a top of the table side, but it is a home game and we come in of the back of a good performance in the derby.
"Elements of our performance are starting to build and hopefully we can get the results we all want. If we can get a win it would really bounce our season and kick us on.
"We massively respect what Connacht have done, but this Friday we want to put them under pressure and get a result that can be a springboard for the season."
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Cardiff Blues: 15 Rhys Patchell, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Tom James, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Gethin Jenkins (c), 2 Ethan Lewis, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Lou Reed, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Josh Turnbull, 8 Manoa Vosawai
Replacements: 16 Kristian Dacey, 17 Sam Hobbs, 18 Craig Mitchell, 19 James Down, 20 Cam Dolan, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Garyn Smith, 23 Dan Fish
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