Neath have won their last two League games on the road at Swansea and at Carmarthen Quins but the challenge of the powerful English championship side will be a totally different and altogether more testing challenge.
The Welsh All Blacks are in the throes of re-building and their plans are hampered by a crippling injury list that numbers no fewer than 14 out of a squad of 29. And with many of them long-term casualties, Neath shuffle their pack.
Neath include No.8 Steffan Jones who enjoyed an excellent debut in the win at Carmarthen last Friday while three permit players are named on the replacements bench. Nathan Ace (Cwmllynfell), Lloyd Phillips (Tata) and Gareth Davies (Tonna) are all involved while the left wing position has yet to be finalised.
Neath Coach Patrick Horgan said: “Two wins in a fortnight represents solid progress in our re-building plans and our youngsters are looking forward to testing ourselves against one of the best sides in the English championship.
“Most of the sides there are fully-pro with big back up teams so it is a massive step up.
“In contrast, we have introduced several local players into our set-up and Neath supporters everywhere can be proud of the way this squad is pulling together. We are improving but there is a long way to go and it has been a question of all hands to the pumps this week.
Bedford will be led by experienced Canada international and ace goal kicker James Pritchard. They currently lead the group with maximum points having crushed both Bedwas and Stirling County in their opening games.
Neath: 15 Aaron Bramwell; 14 Kevin James, 13 Ryan Evans, 12 John Leyshon, 11 A.N. Other 10 Kyle Davies 9 Chris Morgans, 1 Nicky Downs (c) 2 Rhodri Clancy 3 Marc Jones 4 Rhys Jones 5 Jonny Griffiths 6 Leon Ward 7 Matthew Rees 8 Steffan Jones.
Replacements: 16 Owain Ford 17 Alun Wyn Davies 18 Tom Price 19 Nathan Ace 20 A.N. Other 21 Lloyd Phillips 22 Gareth Davies.
Bedford: 15 James Pritchard (c) 14 James Stephenson 13 Mark Atkinson 12 Ian Vass 11 Josh Bassett 10 Jake Sharp 9 Darryl Veenendaal, 1 Darren Fearn 2 Scott Spurling 3 Dan Seal 4 Mike Howard 5 Ben Gulliver 6 Gregor Gillanders 7 Alex Rae 8 Joe Vandermolen.
Replacements: 16 Chris Locke 17 Ben Cooper 18 Paul Tupai 19 Tom Armes 20 Ali Price 21 Brendan Burke 22 Mark Kohler.
Referee Mr. Cammy Rudkin (Scotland)
