The Dragons’ only reversal at Rodney Parade in the Magners League since March 2009 was 9-14 to Scarlets on New Year’s Eve.
The Blues have an impressive record against the Dragons who have lost their last six matches against the capital region since their 14-13 victory at Rodney Parade on 27 December 2006. However, this Friday’s encounter is sure to be another stern test against Paul Turner’s men.
If he comes off the bench during Friday’s match Deiniol Jones will set a record for the most appearance in the Magners League, having equaled Adam Black’s 117 mark last weekend.
Deiniol who is originally from Cardigan, attended Ysgol Gyfun Llandysul and went on to study Chemistry at Bath University in 1997 where he caught the eye of the scouts of Bath RFC.
After spending three years playing for Bath, in 2000 Deiniol signed for Ebbw Vale on loan before joining Bridgend, The Celtic Warriors and the Cardiff Blues in 2004.
He gained international honours representing Wales at Under 18, 19 and 21 age grades before making his debut for the senior Wales team against Samoa in November 2000, and also won caps on the tour to Japan in 2003.
An unsung hero for the Blues, Jones deservedly gained further international honours this season after being called up to Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad.
Cardiff Blues 15 Ben Blair 14 Leigh Halfpenny 13 Jamie Roberts 12 Dafydd Hewitt 11 Chris Czekaj 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Richie Rees 1 John Yapp 2 T Rhys Thomas 3 Scott Andrews 4 Bradley Davies 5 Paul Tito 6 Maama Molitika 7 Sam Warburton 8 Andy Powell
Replacements: 16 Gareth Williams 17 Taufa’au Filise 18 Deiniol Jones 19 Andries Pretorius 20 Lloyd Williams 21 Dai Flanagan 22 Gavin Evans
