Blues all set for Devon challenge
Issued on behalf of the RFU
Bedford Blues are all geared up to make the journey to Exeter this weekend in the semi-final of the Championship play-off.
Sandy Park may not be the happiest of hunting grounds for the Blues in recent years, but buoyed by some excellent recent form, Bedford will go into this game in a positive frame of mind having completed a good play-off campaign.
The Blues have already been boosted by the news that eight of the first team squad have signed new deals with the Goldington Road outfit, but their matchday squad has been lifted by the return of Chris Goodman from injury.
There had been some concern over Myles Dorrian following an eye injury sustained in last weekends fixture, but the Australian was checked over and is fully fit to play.
Looking ahead to Saturday's game director of rugby Mike Rayer said: "Everyone is aware that Exeter isn't one of our most successful destinations, but it's a one off game and anything can happen.
"One thing that we can be sure of is an explosive game. Exeter have said that they want Premiership rugby for a number of years now and it has become their holy grail. We know what's ahead of us and it is a significant challenge. We are aware of it, not daunted by it.
"This is the ultimate test for us as a group. If we can maintain our accuracy under pressure then we have chance. Whoever handles that pressure the best will no doubt win."
The Blues make one change to the team that started aginat Plymouth last weekend with Chris Goodman returning to number eight. The change sees Gregor Gillanders return to blindside flanker, Alex Rae move back to the second row and John Harlock taking a place on the bench.
Starting line-up:
15. Luke Fielden
14. Ollie Dodge
13. Brendan Burke
12. Ian Vass
11. Duncan Taylor
10. Myles Dorrian
9. Will Chudley
1. Sam Walsh
2. Dan Richmond (c)
3. Dan Seal
4. Mike Howard
5. Alex Rae
6. Gregor Gillanders
7. Sacha Harding
8. Chris Goodman
Replacements:
16. Chris Locke, 17. Phil Boulton, 18. John Harlock, 19. Chris Brightwell, 20. Nick Walshe, 21. Brad Davies, 22. Ian Davey
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Championship Index 09/10
