Skipper Fraser Gemmell has recovered from a hamstring strain and leads Oxford University in their first domestic game of the season against Bristol at Clifton tonight (7.15pm).
The Dark Blues enjoyed a successful tour of Japan when they were unbeaten in their three matches, played in front of large crowds.
Injuries to hooker Olly Julyan (shoulder), plus Australian centres John Allen (hamstring) and Andrew Willett (thigh) see them sit this match out.
But Oxford can still call upon eight of the side who beat Cambridge at Twickenham last December.
Among the newcomers are full back Tim Barlow, who has played first-team games for Leicester, Bristol and Henley, and Dave Lubans, a 6ft 5 in lock No 8, who has represented Australian Universities.
Oxford Univ (v Bristol): Barlow, Rubie, Douglas, Dick, Ellerby, Honeyben, Taberner, Tkachuk, Griffiths, Nwume, C Edwards, Russell, Gemmell (capt), Durham, Lubans. Reps: Hughes, Street, Woods, ApGwilym, Barr, N Edwards, Dixon.
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