Bristol the benchmark, says Rayer

Rayer says he is not is not worried by Bedford's injury list

Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer says Bristol are the standard by which they must judge themselves as they face them at Goldington Road on Saturday.

Rayer said: "They are the benchmark. They are a 'Premiership' side with a fantastic squad and resources.

"We know where we are in terms of our own status and we hope to get better year after year and keep pushing the big teams.

Both sides have 100% records in the Championship after three games.

The Blues' preparations were dealt a blow this week when it was revealed that Gregor Gillanders, their players' player of last season, is likely to be out of action for six weeks after a scan revealed he had suffered a stress fracture.

Alex Brown picked up a slight injury playing for Saracens, but is likely to be back in action shortly, while Mike Guess had a successful operation on his ankle injury although no date has been set for his comeback.

Nick Walshe should be running soon, but Marco Cecere is still sidelined with a shoulder problem.

Bedford have acted quickly to secure extra cover in the front row by bringing in Bath youngster Mark Lilley on a dual registration.

The 6ft 3ins 21-year-old prop, who can also play hooker, has played for England Under-20s and weighs in at 19 stones.

Rayer said: "I'm not worried as the big games tend to take care of themselves.

"The lads won't need any extra motivation and it's more a case of holding them back this week so I don't have to worry about them falling flat.

"The intensity will be threefold, but there won't be any problems with that."