Oxford University captain Dan Rosen believes they are in good shape as the countdown to the Nomura Varsity Match gathers pace.

Rosen’s boys host Trinity College, Dublin on Sunday (6.30) in their penultimate warm-up game before facing Cambridge at Twickenham on December 10.

The Dark Blues have lost three times this season compared to one by this stage last year, but have produced plenty of the slick backs play that characterised their 2008 campaign.

“Finally, everything is starting to click,” said Rosen.

“Things we have been working on in training are coming off.

“There is still more time to improve as well.

“I’m pretty much settled with the squad we are going to have.

“But players in the team know there are others pressing for their places. The door is never closed.”

Sunday’s kick-off has been put back to 4.30pm to allow the Irish university more time to travel as they are coming via ferry.

Prop Will Johnson (pictured) is unavailable as he is on World Cup qualifying duty with USA, who face Uruguay in Florida tomorrow in the second leg of their tie.

But the match is likely to see back-row forwards John Carter and Stan McKeen return after being rested for Oxford’s 51-5 victory over a limited Major Stanley’s XV.

Rosen admitted the back row was probably the most competitive area of his squad.

He said: “After a couple of big performances against Stanley’s, that is definitely the case.

“We were missing John Carter and Stan McKeen, but it wasn’t that noticeable.”

Reflecting on the victory, Rosen added: “We have been up in the first half for the last three games, so it was good to finish it off this time.

“We definitely made fewer errors which was pleasing. Although we were facing a scratch side, they still wanted to play open rugby.

“We weren’t happy with our fitness levels against Sale Sharks and Saracens, but that is something that has been worked on.

“We were much happier after Stanley’s.”

Oxford University (v Trinity College, Dublin, home, Sun): from Browne, Morris*, Mahony*, Cheesman*, Allfrey, Catling*, Swanson*, James, Boyes, Haydon, Klopper, Waite, Lutton*, Oliver, Rosen* (capt) Rogers, Tomaszczyk*, Kane, Kench*, Van Zyl*, Outen, Makoto, Gibson, Rickner, Davies*, Carter, McKeen. * denotes Blue