CAPTAIN George Messum says Oxford University cannot afford to rest on their laurels if they are to clinch a record-breaking sixth successive Varsity victory over Cambridge later this year.

The Dark Blues take on the old enemy at Twickenham on December 10 on a high after claiming a fifth success on the bounce in 2014.

Another victory would put Oxford into the record books, as neither side have recorded six in a row.

Oxford began their preparations by finishing fourth in the inaugural World University Rugby Cup last month, a tournament they hosted.

They also beat Queensland University 26-15 last week, before putting in a spirited display in a 36-17 loss to Aviva Premiership side Worcester Warriors’ second string at Iffley Road on Tuesday night.

While there have been plenty of positives, Messum, who is reading historical studies, recognises there is plenty to improve upon.

The flanker said: “We cannot rest on our laurels because, we have got plenty of work to do.

“Everything is about our performances over the next eight weeks to then take care of everything else on December 10.

“There are things that are coming together slowly but surely and it is just about not taking our foot off the gas."

“We set standards and we have got to keep moving forward.”

Messum got a taste of Varsity success last year and was elected to replace the outgoing Jacob Taylor as captain in January.

Oxford named 13 Blues in the squad that faced Worcester this week and, while Messum accepts experience is invaluable, he emphasised every year poses new challenges.

The 24-year-old said: “Generally having experienced guys in there does help, they have played in those big-game environments, but actually I have been incredibly impressed with the new players.

“Every Varsity Match is different, it has its own trials and tribulations.

“In my opinion, it is won or lost in the eight or nine weeks beforehand."

“We are in that really exciting period where we are coming together as a team.”

The Dark Blues now have three successive away matches – at Moseley, Blackheath and against Croatia in Zagreb – before welcoming Greene King IPA Championship side Bristol to Iffley Road on November 9.

They will also face a Major Stanley’s XV and Richmond ahead of the Varsity Match and Messum believes the fixtures provide ideal preparation.

He said: “It is a different experience to university rugby because they are physical guys and that is exactly what we need.

“It is just about stepping on from now.”