Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues go in search of a first away victory at Ealing Trailfinders since October 2015 this Saturday.
Following a third successive home victory against Coventry last weekend, Blues head to Trailfinders Sports Ground in a confident mood, although will be expecting a tough test from Ben Ward’s charges who currently sit second in the Championship table; the position they’ve finished for the past two seasons.
Director of Rugby, Rayer, has made seven changes for the trip to the capital, including handing Pat Tapley his first start since Boxing Day. Tapley’s inclusion is one of two changes to the backs as Lewis Robling comes into the starting side for the first time since November.
Elsewhere in the back division there is a slight shuffle with Sam Leeming moving to fly-half as Will Hooley misses out with concussion.
There are five changes in the forwards as Robbie Smith and Henry Paul return to form a familiar looking front row with captain Sean McCarthy. The remaining changes see Ed Taylor, Oli Curry and Huw Worthington come back into the side as Bedford look to continue their inspired 2020 form.
Among the replacements, the Blues are bolstered by two dual-registered players from Northampton Saints as Fraser Strachan returns and Connor Tupai – son of Blues legend Paul – arrives for a potential debut having grown up at the club.
Starting XV:
15 Rich Lane
14 Ryan Hutler
13 Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas
12 Lewis Robling
11 Pat Tapley
10 Sam Leeming
9 James Lennon
1 Sean McCarthy (C)
2 Robbie Smith
3 Henry Paul
4 Jordan Onojaife
5 Ed Taylor
6 Oli Curry
7 Josh Buggea
8 Huw Worthington
Replacements:
16 Charlie Clare
17 Joe Wrafter
18 Andrew Boye
19 Will Carrick Smith
20 Joe Atkinson
21 Connor Tupai
22 Fraser Strachan
23 Matt Worley
Words by Ryan Robinson
