Blues all set for trip to Coventry

Following a 26-57 home defeat to Ealing Trailfinders last weekend, the Blues will be looking to build on the positives in what is sure to be an enthralling encounter against Rowland Winter’s charges.

Looking ahead to the game, Blues Forwards Coach Alex Rae said: “While we were disappointed with the result last weekend, it was a valuable lesson and the lads took a lot away from the game.

It’s not nice shipping over 50 points but credit to the lads, they fought until the end and got a try bonus point against a very well drilled Ealing side.

“There will certainly be no let up this weekend as we know there is another big challenge ahead of us. We had two very attritional games against Coventry last season and we are expecting much the same this weekend.

“They’ve strengthened considerably over the summer and will be looking to build on their winning start to the cup campaign.

“Our lads have put last week to bed, worked really hard in training and know what we expect of them on Saturday afternoon. It’s a chance to bounce back and that’s exactly what we want to do.”

Bedford make a handful of changes to the team that tasted defeat last weekend with Lewis Robling and Ed Coulson starting at inside centre and fly half respectively.

Sean McCarthy and Karl Garside will be propping up the scrum this weekend – Alex Penny has been ruled out for three to four months with a bicep injury – while Oli Curry also starts the game in the second row.

Andrew Boye will provide hooker cover on the bench while Charlie Reed and Josh Buggea are also named on the bench.