Sadly though, it didn't and Doncaster gave the league leaders an object lesson in rugby last week at Castle Park. Those that were there report that Leeds were thoroughly outclassed, and that is now the real source of genuine concern for our sadly dented promotion hopes.

So, after such a humbling defeat, what is the best way forward? What would you want as your next fixture? An opposition of minnows to give that winning confidence back, or a tough, uncompromising team that is challenging at the top end of the table?

Well, of course we don't have the choice, and the visit to Goldington Road, the home of Bedford Blues, most definitely represents the latter of those two stark choices.

Mike Rayer's men will be relishing this prospect after having read of Donny's exploits last week, and also after their own hard won points down in Cornwall. Widely noted as a fast running, backs-oriented team they nevertheless proved their worth up front with a grinding and kicking 6-5 win over the Pirates on their home turf. There may be some tired and battered bodies out there on Saturday which Leeds can take heart from, but they can rest assured that there will be no quarter asked or given, and the Bedford boys will want to show that Leeds are no premiership team in waiting, but a beatable outfit.

Leeds of course will have to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. There can be no doubting that the loss of their 100% record will hurt their pride a great deal, and they will want to go out and show that last week was a one-off, and that they are the quality of this league. That recently coined phrase – "bouncebackability" – comes in to play here; Leeds must have it!

They received bad news this week though with the news that Callum Clark will be out for a fortnight after a scan revealed a fracture in his hand. Callum was set to lead England U20s this week in the Junior Six Nations, but until this injury it was clearly a possibility – nay, a likelihood – that the young flanker would be recalled to help shore up his club side. Now neither club nor country will see his services for the rest of this month at least.

However that aside I know of few prevailing injuries, and Neil Back and Andy Key will need to select a good blend of powerful forwards with sharp, incisive backs, and obviously the defensive game will play a massive part in the outcome. Leeds' watertight defence at the beginning of the season is beginning to spring a few leaks, and plugging those leaks will have to be top priority.

Having said all that though, I have an irrationally good feeling about this game. I believe the critics will be silenced, and so will the partisan Blues home crowd.

Wherever you experience it, enjoy the game, and sing for a Leeds victory…

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