The Dark Blues of Oxford have lost four straight Twickenham showpieces and they have won just seven of the last 26 matches.

Cambridge may be bidding to equal the record of five consecutive wins set by the Light Blues between 1972-76 and 1980-84, but for once they go into the game as underdogs.

"This is the strongest side in my three years at Oxford, and if we play to pre-Twickenham form we should win," said Oxford coach Steve Hill.

Cambridge coach Tony Rodgers, in charge for his 19th Varsity match and whose son Stefan hooks for the university, said: "Oxford are favourites, but we have big, strong guys."

Over half the players in the traditional college clash come from outside the British Isles. Nine Australians, four New Zealanders, two Americans, a Frenchman and a South African will take the field in the battle for the Bowring Bowl.

Cambridge's Australian leader, prop Matt Foulds, said: "We are as ready as we can possibly be. I have done my part in preparing the team and now I have got to lead by example on the pitch."