Montagu has been out for two weeks

Australian Dan Montagu will return to Nottingham's number eight berth as they take on Bedford at home on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has missed the last two games for the Green and Whites due to a scar opening up as a result of the knee surgery he had in the summer.

Montagu told the club website: "This is a massive game for us and the first real test we have had this season since Leeds on the opening day.

"We let ourselves down that day and we don't want that to happen again."

We have been steadily building up to this one since the loss at Leeds Glenn Delaney, Nottingham director of rugby

Montagu added: "We have been building up for this game and will be putting it all out on the field on Sunday."

Director of rugby Glenn Delaney said: "This team enjoys a challenge and we have been steadily building up to this one since the loss at Leeds.

"I don't think Bedford have ever won at (our) home and we will be doing all we can this Sunday to make sure that doesn't happen again this year."

Nottingham are unbeaten in their last 15 games at Meadow Lane and are looking for their eighth consecutive win in the league.

Nottingham: Jackson, Savage, Nirmalendran, Molenaar, Dodge, Taylor, Usasz, Parr, Duffey, Hall, Morley, Rouse, Hammond, Sherriff, Montagu. Reps: Harris, Fowkes, McDonald, Hemingway, Pilgrim, Thompson, Cobden.