Rugby Union: Rayer rings the changes as Bedford Blues prepare to host Leeds ...

On the wing: Corey Hircock

Competitive rugby returns to Goldington Road tomorrow when Bedford Blues host Leeds Carnegie in the Championship.

Director of Rugby Mike Rayer has made several changes to his line-up after two defeats in two in the league so far – against London Welsh in the neutral venue opener at Allianz Park on opening weekend and then against Jersey last Saturday.

“The lads have taken a few lumps out of each other this week in training and are now ready for the huge challenge of Leeds,” said Rayer.

“The game can’t come quick enough for them and they are all eager to put in a performance that they, and the supporters, can be proud of.”

Mark Atkinson moves to fullback, Ollie Dodge replaces him at centre while Corey Hircock starts on the wing and Mike Le Bourgeois gets the nod at fly half.

Nico Steenkamp gets a home debut at loosehead, Paul Tupai starts in the second row and Don Barrell comes in at blindside flanker.

Darren Fox will skipper the side with James Pritchard on the bench.

Starting line-up:

15. Mark Atkinson

14. Corey Hircock

13. Brendan Burke

12. Ollie Dodge

11. Neville Edwards

10. Mike Le Bourgeois

9. Luke Baldwin

1. Nico Steenkamp

2. Scott Spurling

3. Phil Boulton

4. Paul Tupai

5. Mike Howard

6. Don Barrell

7. Darren Fox (c)

8. Joe Vandermolen

Replacements: 16. Charlie Clare, 17. Ben Cooper, 18. Ben Gulliver 19. Tom Armes, 20. Darryl Veenendaal, 21. Jake Sharp, 22. James Pritchard.

Article source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24171352

Rugby Union: Rayer rings the changes as Bedford Blues prepare to host Leeds ...