Preview: Blues out to prove that they are up for the cup against Ulster

Bedford Blues in action against London Scottish. Picture (c) June Essex

Bedford Blues will be crossing the Irish Sea on Friday as they head to Belfast to face Ulster A in the British & Irish Cup.

The Blues will be looking to build on their recent form which has seen them pick up wins against London Scottish, Moseley and Bristol over the festive period and a victory in Belfast would put Bedford in a strong position for reaching the quarter-finals of the cup.

Bedford head to Northern Ireland without Mike Howard who has been ruled out for at least six weeks with ankle ligament damage.

Director of Rugby Mike Rayer makes a number of changes from the team that beat London Scottish in front of the Sky Sports cameras on New Year’s Day, with Steffan Jones, Sam Blanchet, Henry Staff, Dean Adamson and Jordan Burns starting in the backs while Tom Williams, Harry Wells and Justin Blanchet start up front.

Starting Line-up:

15. Steffan Jones

14. Sam Blanchet

13. Henry Staff

12. Tom Griffiths

11. Dean Adamson

10. Jake Sharp

9. Jordan Burns

1. Tom Williams

2. Charlie Clare

3. Phil Boulton

4. Harry Wells

5. Mark Flanagan

6. Justin Blanchet

7. Nick Fenton-Wells (c)

8. Joel Conlon

Replacements:

16. Sam James

17. Camilo Parilli-Ocampo

18. Paul Tupai

19. Biyi Alo

20. Peter White

21. Myles Dorrian

22. Ollie Dodge