STEVE Hill believes Oxford are in great shape ahead of the 125th Varsity Match at Twickenham.

The Dark Blues director of rugby has seen his side improve match by match this season to produce some highly entertaining displays.

He said: "I'm very pleased with our run in. To go into the Varsity Match with five victories out of five gives the team a lot of confidence.

"I think our performances have improved steadily and in the last three games we've shown that we can finish well.

"On paper the match is looking quite close, although they've probably had a more settled side than us."

Oxford are fielding just six former Blues and lock Richard Graham is a replacement after starting last year.

Hill said: "Richard Graham's injury at Bristol probably cost him a starting place, but when he got injured we didn't think he would be fit for Varsity.

"We've got the luxury of having three Blues on the bench, so there is experience to call on."