Match Preview v Doncaster Knights

Posted: 28th February 2020
 

Mike Rayer has named his team as Bedford Blues look to maintain their 100% record at home in 2020 when Doncaster Knights visit Goldington Road tomorrow (KO 3pm).

Hartpury, Jersey Reds and Coventry have all been defeated in Bedford this decade, however they will face a difficult test against Clive Griffiths’ outfit who have also undergone a resurgence since the New Year.

Director of Rugby, Rayer, has made six changes to his starting side, including a welcome return for Dan Temm after an enforced absence.

Temm’s inclusion makes up part of an entirely new back row as Joe Atkinson and Alafoti Fa’osiliva return. There is a slight reshuffle in the forwards with Oli Curry moving into the second row, while Alex Penny has recovered from a back injury to start at tighthead prop.

The final two changes come in the backs division as Rich Lane makes a return from illness at full-back and Grayson Hart is named at scrum-half as James Lennon misses out with a hamstring injury.

There are spaces on the bench for Northampton Saints dual-registered duo Devante Onojaife and Fraser Strachan. Unfortunately key players Will Hooley (concussion) and Dean Adamson (fingers) remain on the side lines through injury.

Starting XV:
15           Rich Lane
14           Ryan Hutler
13           Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas
12           Lewis Robling
11           Matt Worley
10           Sam Leeming
9              Grayson Hart

1              Sean McCarthy (C)
2              Robbie Smith
3              Alex Penny
4              Jordan Onojaife
5              Oli Curry
6              Dan Temm
7              Joe Atkinson
8              Alafoti Fa’osiliva

Replacements:
16           Jacob Fields
17           Joe Wrafter
18           Henry Paul
19           Will Carrick Smith
20           Devante Onojaife
21           Huw Worthington
22           Fraser Strachan
23           Ed Coulson