Paul Hull has challenged his Bristol Rugby players to breach Bedford Blues' try-line for the first time this season in Saturday's top-of-the-table Championship clash at Goldington Road.

Both sides have 100 per cent records after three matches and are level at the top of the table on 14 points.

But the key difference between them is their defensive records, with Bristol having shipped six tries in three matches and Bedford yet to concede.

In fact, Mike Rayer's men have conceded only 21 points in their three games – all from penalties.

And head coach Hull said: "They haven't conceded a try yet but we obviously hope to ruin that little stat for them.

"We're hopefully going to put them under a little bit more pressure than they've been under so far – that's certainly our aim.

"They've played some good attacking rugby, they haven't conceded any tries and all the stats mount up to a very good start to the season for Bedford – they deserve their position at the top of the league."

And while Hull is placing no extra significance or importance on Saturday's fixture, he is well aware that Bedford will provide the biggest challenge his Bristol side will have faced this season.

Bristol Rugby have beaten London Welsh and Rotherham at home, as well as winning at Birmingham & Solihull, but Hull expects a greater test from the table-topping Blues.

"We do recognise that Bedford are a different opposition to what we have played before," he said.

"We know this will be the biggest test, the biggest challenge, and that they are very good at home. It is another game in the league and it is only the fourth game of the season – but we do know this will be the biggest test so far.

"We know these guys will be title contenders at the end of the season, but training has been exactly the same this week – there's no special attention or anything.

"We don't want to go down the road of trying to build this game – or any game – up as something it isn't. That will probably be saved for later in the season.

"We could have an opportunity to go top of the league by ourselves – and that is a carrot, but we haven't really talked about stuff like that. We've talked about our performance and making sure we keep building."

Hull has confirmed that hooker Ross Johnson and winger Mat Turner, both of whom suffered ankle injuries in the 36-10 win over Rotherham four days ago, will miss the trip to Bedford.

"It's unfortunate – but the injuries aren't as serious as we first thought," said Hull. "Hopefully, they won't be out of action for too long, but it gives Ollie Hayes an opportunity to come into the squad, which is really good for him."

Bristol Rugby (from): Backs – T Arscott, L Arscott, J Adams, L Robinson, D Norton, A Jarvis, J Spice, J Fatialofa, M Davies, R Shaw, L Eves. Forwards – A Clarke, O Hayes, D Crompton, M Irish, D Blaney, W Thompson, M Sambucetti, R Winters, J Phillips, I Grieve, J Merriman, D Montagu, R Pennycook.