THE strength of Oxford University’s squad means Varsity Match selection is proving a difficult job for captain John Carter.

Oxford have just four matches remaining until their annual date with Cambridge at Twickenham on December 8, which means they are more than halfway through the season.

The Dark Blues have often fielded their likely Varsity XV in the traditional Major Stanley’s clash, but Carter expects to still be weighing things up at that stage.

“I think we are blessed enough with good players that we can’t predict the squad four weeks in advance,” he said.

“There is big competition from around 28-30 players.

“The squad is 23 at Twickenham and there are still some positions up for grabs.”

Oxford could field seven of last year’s Varsity Match starting pack and it is up front where the rivalry looks most fierce.

“I think there is a huge amount of competition at second row and at six, and the front row is more competitive than last year,” Carter added.

“Will Kane is having a great season at tight-head prop and is really improving.

“It is great to see the players pushing each other.”

Oxford are next in action at home to London Welsh on Tuesday.

Carter has sat out two matches due to injury, but Cambridge captain Matt Guinness-King has yet to take the field this season.

The former Canadian international has been suffering from a nagging neck injury.

He said: “I’m certainly feeling better and I was able to take part in a pretty rigorous warm-up before the game against Coventry Nighthawks last week.

“I had a few thoughts about maybe going on the bench on the way to the game, but I don’t think I’m quite there yet.

“I’ve seen an osteopath who has made a difference to my injury and I’m still hopeful of being ready to face the Steele-Bodger’s XV.”