Preview: Oxford v Cambridge
One of the longest rivalries in rugby will be settled in the 129th Varsity match between Oxford and Cambridge on Thursday.
One of the longest rivalries in rugby will be settled, for this year at least, in the 129th Varsity match between Oxford and Cambridge Universities at Twickenham on Thursday.
The Dark Blues of Oxford University are seeking revenge after defeat (31-27) last year at the hands of the Light Blues of Cambridge. And there's added pressure on Oxford to avoid falling further behind Cambridge in the victory count, which currently stands at 61 to 53 in favour of the Light Blues.
Click HERE for a short video which provides a unique insight into the build up to the Nomura Varsity match, from the dramatic ritual of 'the challenge' between the two clubs to the team announcement at Twickenham and countdown to kick off.
This historic match has seen many appearances from successful rugby internationals, including England's Rob Andrew, Victor Ubogu and Phil de Glanville, plus Gerald Davies, Gavin Hastings, David Kirk, Joe Roff and last year's victorious captain Dan Vickerman.
Cambridge will be led by full-back James Richards, already a two time Blue but is captaining the Cambridge team for the first time in a Varsity match. Richards brings southern hemisphere experience to the side as a former professional rugby player in South Africa. Included in his ranks is flanker Jason Kururangi – who has proven rugby pedigree as the son of a New Zealand All Black.
The Cambridge team includes three other players who featured in the starting XV for Cambridge in 2009 – Niall Conlon, Fred Burdon and Ben Maidment – plus Jamie Gilbert who came on as a replacement late in the game.
Oxford skipper, scrum-half Nick Haydon, played at U18 and U21 for Australia and also captained Australia students. His team also boasts an All Black heritage through fly-half Charlie Marr, the great grandson of a former New Zealand international.
But there's plenty of English talent on show too – Oxford flanker Alex Cheesman has played for England 7s and is winning his third blue. Cambridge number eight Maidment has played for London Wasps and England students.
Apart from the captain only Cheesman, who is winning his third Blue, and Canadian international Stan McKeen remain from last year's Oxford team, with Sean Morris, Karl Outen and Govind Oliver elevated to the starting XV having been on the bench in 2009.
“There is a sense of excitement within the squad, combined with anticipation,” said Haydon.
“We can't fault the preparation we have had so far, as every week has brought with it new lessons. There is a good blend of youth and experience within our side and we have developed a very strong team bond. If we can harness the best attributes of both and use the knowledge we have acquired throughout the season then we will be confident come December 9th.”
“Preparations this year have been going really well for us as a team on the whole and I am very pleased with the attitude and commitment shown by all the guys,” said Richards.
“We believe in playing a high tempo, expressive game where we will look to move the ball and use the width as much as possible. The Varsity Match is a one-off game, it's the best team on the day that wins it regardless of the past and we are just focusing on ourselves and being the most prepared we can be. Hopefully if all goes well on the day we will get the win.”
The teams:
Oxford: 15 James Crozier (Kellogg) 14 Luke Fenwick (University), 13 Sean Morris (Somerville), 12 Alex Cheesman(St Edmund Hall), 11 Luke Jones (St Edmund Hall), 10 Charlie Marr (Brasenose), 9 Nick Haydon (c) (University), 8 Stanley McKeen (vc) (Harris Manchester), 7 Louis Mather (University), 6 Daniel Guinness (Keble), 5 Karl Outen (St Edmund Hall), 4 Tom Evans (St Hugh's), 3 Will Kane (Merton), 2 Govind Oliver (Green Templeton), 1 Hamish Macdonald (Wadham).
Replacements: 16 Anthony Connor (Keble), 17 Lewis Anderson (University), 18 Alex Rowe (Queen's), 19 Ian Swan (Kellogg), 20 Jeremy Mather (Lady Margaret Hall), 21 Harry Guinness (St Anthony's), 22 Thomas Yusef (University), 23 James Wisson (St Anne's)
Cambridge: 15 James Richards (c)(Hughes Hall) 14 Ilia Cherezov (St John's), 13 Fred Burdon (St John's), 12 Paul Loudon (St Edmunds), 11 Robert Stevens (Jesus), 10 Gregory Douglas Cushing (Ridley Hall), 9 Sam Hunt (Girton), 8 Ben Maidment (St Edmunds), 7 Tom Stanton (St John's), 6 Jason Kururangi (St Edmunds), 5 Charles Baird (St John's), 4 Tom Harrington (Wolfson), 3 Stuart Brown (Clare), 2 Jamie Stuart Davidson Gilbert (St Edmunds), 1 Niall Conlon (St Edmunds).
Replacements: 16 Christopher George Hall (St John's), 17 Tom Harris (Churchill), 18 Andrew Daniel (St Edmunds), 19 Scott Annett (Clare), 20 Ben Martin (St Catharine's), 21 Matthew M Guinness-King (St Catharine's), 22 Miles Daly (Jesus), 23 William Briggs (Magdalene)
Date: Thursday, December 9
Venue: Twickenham
Kick-off: 14.00 GMT
Referee:Andrew Small