New signing and flanker Justin Blanchet has spent the first two Championship matches of the season on the sidelines due to injury, but is itching to be back in contention in the weeks to come with the firm belief that there are exciting things ahead from the recently formed Blues unit.

After tasting defeat for a second time this season, Bedford Blues are attempting to bounce back against current league leaders London Scottish this Saturday at the Athletic Ground (Kick Off 3pm), and Blanchet fully expects an improved performance giving the fact they are gelling together each day and buying into new systems.

The French Canadian back row forward believes the first two games have given them plenty of positives to take forward and areas to focus on ahead of the next month’s calendar of fixtures.

Blanchet said: “There is no denying everyone in camp is disappointed, we’ve lost two games on the bounce, it’s not the way we planned it. Rotherham Titans played well and are a good team, but we made a few silly mistakes - the important thing now is we’re learning from them.

“We’ve been working on a few things and we want to place an emphasis on our attacking, Bedford are renowned for their attacking prowess, and we want to bring this back to our game. We also have a new defensive system that we will be implementing and it’s human nature with a new squad that we aren’t all going to get it right first time. We’re all about the next game.”

Ahead of the match this Saturday the Blues are in fighting spirit and despite London Scottish currently sitting at the top of the table, the boys are feeling confident that this could be their first win of the season after leveling one a piece last term.

Economics Graduate, Blanchet continued: “Saturday will be really tough, but we haven’t got anything to lose so we’ll be going all out to give them a challenge and come away with something. We’re confident that our first win of the season can come on the road against a very good side, there is no reason why the lads can’t turn Scottish over in Richmond.

“We’ve just got to go out there and play with intensity, energy, everything we’ve been practicing. No doubt with a good travelling support we will give them a good game, we’re not going to be an easy team to roll over, especially when things start to fall into place”. 

Image courtesy of Exeter University Rugby Club