And his bolstered side is set to include lock Andrew Smith, whose try helped the Army defeat the Navy at Twickenham last Saturday.

Brodley's men travel to Penrith for their second big away day after last week's loss at Durham, and know it is win or bust if they are to reach Twickenham.

Victories over Cumbria tomorrow and North Midlands at Chinnor on May 21 would make reaching the knockout phase possible and Oxon have made six changes from the Durham game.

Into the squad come forwards Gary Woodburn (Sale), Dave Goddard (Leicester University) and Smith.

The new backs are county cricketer Ben Thompson (Nottingham) and brothers Richard and Nick Grimsdell (both Chinnor).

Brodley said: "We've trained well together and realise how important this game is.

"We must win to put ourselves back in the driving seat and set up a decider on home soil against North Midlands.

"Last week's defeat upset us, but there was so much untapped potential in the performance that we relish the challenge ahead."

Oxfordshire lost 27-8 to Northumberland in the 2003 County Shield final at Twickenham and they would love to return there.

Brodley added: "Cumbria lost to North Midlands in the opening round so given that we went away from home and we nearly won as well as the spirit of the team being tremendous, we have very chance and we will give it a good shot."