Full back Tim Barlow and scrum half Graham Barr make their first starts for Oxford University when they entertain NEC Harlequins at Iffley Road (Tuesday, 7.15).

Barlow has recovered from a hamstring suffered before the tour of Japan. His return means that Will Rubie will switch to his favoured position on the wing.

Barr, a English Universities scrum half, gets his chance to put the pressure on the incumbent Dan Taberner, following a couple of appearances as replacement.

With lock forward Adam Russell nursing a dead leg, Dave L41ubans switches to the second row. Ben Durham has recovered from flu and returns at No 8, while Richie Woods retains his place on the flank.

Harlequins include two of Oxford's best players in recent years - fly half Seb FitzGerald and lock Simon Miall.

Oxford Univ: Barlow, Rubie, Allen, Willett, Dixon, Honeyben, Barr, Tkachuk, Griffiths, Nwume, Lubans, C Edwards, Gemmell (capt), Woods, Durham. Reps: Wood, Hughes, Sugden, ApGwilym, Taberner, N Edwards, Douglas, Ellerby.

Harlequins: Williams, Monye, Allen, Reay, Barratt, FitzGerald, Powell, Starr, Walton, Cardinali, Miall, Evans, Griffin, Heart, Horstmann.