The Oxford and Cambridge boat race is traditionally a battle of rowing giants but this year there is a touch of David and Goliath about the competition.

The Cambridge team boasts the tallest ever oarsman to take part in the 4.25 mile race from Putney to Mortlake.

Joshua West, Cambridge's bow side oarsman, registers at a towering 6ft 9½in.

On the opposing boat Oxford cox Kajsa McLaren is nearly two feet smaller than Mr West, clocking in at 4ft 10½in.

The pair stood side by side on the banks of the river Thames in Putney ahead of the 146th boat race, which takes place on Saturday, March 25th.

Cambridge will be attempting to extend their winning streak to eight victories.

Not surprisingly they enjoy the height advantage but the Dark Blues of Oxford boast the heavier crew with an average weight of 13st 10lb.

But both crews are notably lighter and smaller than in recent races.

The recent trend for foreign oarsmen has been reversed for this latest clash.

British talent dominates the crew line-ups with 12 home-grown oarsmen set to take their place on the Putney start line.

Last year foreign talent out-numbered British beef but this year both crews feature six British competitors.

Three Americans, a Norwegian, a South African and a New Zealander make up the numbers.

Both crews have gone for a mix of experience with new blood.

Cambridge recall two of last year's victorious crew.

Oxford are employing the services of three boat race veterans, but only two are members of the crew beaten by more than three lengths last year.