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TEAM NEWS | Blues make two changes for crucial QF tie
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look to overturn a narrow Championship Cup Quarter Final first-leg deficit when Cornish Pirates visit for the club’s familiar Ladies Day festivities tomorrow (KO 3pm).
A ten-try, 75-point thriller – which Pirates edged 38-37 at The Mennaye last weekend means it’s set to be another cup knockout cracker in Bedford as both sides battle for a spot in the semi-finals.
After three meetings already this season, there isn’t too much either side can learn about the other but after falling short in all the previous fixtures, Blues will be desperate to buck the trend on Saturday to reach the last four for the first time since 2018.
It will be the 44th time Rayer has faced Cornish Pirates and he makes two changes for this meeting, with Tom Litchfield coming in at outside centre while the rotation of the scrum half jersey continues as Connor Tupai this time starts from the off.
After going toe-to-toe with one of the strongest packs in the Championship, Rayer keeps the same starting forwards unit from The Mennaye, but could call upon Karl Wilkins from the bench who has returned from Northampton Saints and is in line for his first appearance since October.
With no further information yet available on where any potential Championship Cup Final could take place should Blues get that far in the competition, this could be the home farewell for several players including Joe Atkinson who has announced his plans to retire at the end of the season.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. George Hendy, 14. Matt Worley, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Joel Matavesi, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Connor Tupai; 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jacob Fields, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Joe Atkinson (C), 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Jack Hughes, 17. Corrie Barrett, 18. Osman Dimen, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Karl Wilkins, 21. Alex Day, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Jamie Elliott
