Bedford Blues are on the lookout for three victories from their opening four games as they enter a tricky month in the Championship, beginning with the longest trip of their season to Penzance on Saturday afternoon (12 October).
Cornish Pirates await at The Mennaye, looking to kick start their own season after one win and two defeats, including at London Scottish last time out.
It’s been a typically up and down start to the new Championship campaign for the Blues, a comfortable opening day victory against Caldy at Goldington Road was followed with a disappointing performance at early pace setters, Coventry.
Mike Rayer’s side picked up maximum points against Hartpury last time out, although in unconvincing fashion, as the challenge – on paper at least – steps up a notch with the Pirates and then Doncaster Knights to face in October before the Premiership Cup begins.
Those games, against Bath, Bristol Bears and local rivals, Ampthill will provide a stern test, but first the Blues must navigate two tricky fixtures against two of the historically stronger sides in English rugby’s second tier.
Adamson and Prowse return
There are two stand out names in the list of returnees for the trip to the south west as Blues stalwart, Dean Adamson picks up the familiar number eleven jersey as one of four changes.
Ed Prowse is also a welcome addition to the second row for his first appearance since February with Fred Tuilagi coming in at number eight in the continued absence of Cameron King after recovering from a head injury.
Rory Ward, also coming into the second row, completes the changes as the Blues’ front row remains unchanged for the first time this campaign, perhaps influenced by the departure of Bryan O’Connor to Irish side, Ulster.
There’s also a spot on the bench for Saints’ full back, George Makepeace-Cubitt who could be in line for a Blues debut alongside his compatriot, Beltus Nonleh who was on the team sheet for last weekend’s game against Hartpury.
For those who aren’t making the trek to Penzance, the game is being live streamed here for a cost of £7. The game kicks off at 2.30pm.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Alfie Garside, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey; 1. Jamie Jack, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Ed Prowse, 5. Rory Ward, 6. Fyn Brown, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Fred Tuilagi
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Tommy Herman, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Beltus Nonleh, 19. George Smith, 20. Joe Howard, 21. James Lennon, 22. Matt Worley, 23. George Makepeace-Cubitt
