Oxford University face by far their toughest test yet when they take on on London Wasps at Iffley Road tonight (7.15).
The Dark Blues scraped a 13-12 win at London Scottish last week after opening with three defeats.
And Nick Haydon’s men will have to raise their game substantially if they are to avoid a heavy loss at Iffley Road.
Oxford’s team is as expected, as the side continue their build-up to the Varsity match at Twickenham in December.
Haydon said: “It’s our first home game, so we are hoping to play some entertaining rugby so that spectators will want to come back for more.” “We’ll be trying out some combinations against what should be some strong opposition.”
Wasps’ first team defeated Glasgow Warriors 38-26 in the Heineken Cup yesterday, but such is the depth of their squad that they are fielding a powerful side side.
They have named former Australian international Steve Kefu at inside centre and England prop Jason Hobson at tight-head.
Will Matthews, who hails from Brize Norton, starts at blindside flanker.
Chris Elder, who played for Chinnor last season, is at full back, while flanker Alex Fan, who has represented the Oxon club this season, is on the bench.
Oxford Univ: Crozier, Fenwick, Morris*, Cheesman*, Jones, Marr, Haydon (capt), MacDonald, Oliver, Kane, Outen*, Greef, Rowe, L Mather, Carter*. Reps: O'Connor, Grounds, Wright*, H Guinness, J Mather, McKinnell, Williams, Anderson.
London Wasps: Elder, Wilson, Daly, Kefu#, Hampson, Jewell, Holmes, Ruwers, Lindsay, Hobson#, Launchbury, Cannon, Matthews, Northcote-Green, Burton. Reps: Bigley, Brennan, Fan, McFarlane, Tamiau, Robinson, Davies, Drake. * denotes Blue. # denotes international.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here