Oxford Univ 58, Bristol 0

OXFORD University put themselves in good heart for Sunday's contest against world champions Australia with a resounding eight-try demolition of Bristol at Iffley Road on Monday.

Even without skipper Brett Robinson, who delayed his return after a rib injury, the Dark Blues dominated their visitors who field a mostly under 21 side.

Wheeling their opponents scrum at will and eventually sorting out an unitidy line-out, the Dark Blues provided a plentiful supply of possession.

It took time for the backs to make the most of this ball, but five tries in the last 12 minutes, during which they doubled the score, reflected the one-sided nature of the contest.

The match was a personal triumph for fly half Seb FitzGerald, who amassed 26 points, while the return of Nick Marsh added penetration to the backs.

The Blues led 21-0 at half-time, thanks to a close-range try from hooker Peter Nicholas, and an individual efort from FitzGerald, who caught his own up-and under, before going over. The fly half added three penalties and a conversion.

Bristol enjoyed a good spell at the start of the second half, before Simon Miall put the elusive Will Rubie over for a try in the corner. FitzGerald's fourth penalty made it 29-0.

Then came the the try spree as some bewildering handling and searing pace proved too much for Bristol.

FitzGerald went over from close range, to be followed in quick succession by winger Will Ellerby, Marsh, Rubie and lock Charlie Edwards.

FitzGerald and his late replacement Soshi Fuchigami added one conversion each.

It was an exhilarating display from the Blues, who were also happy to keep a clean sheet.

It could be a different story at Iffley Road on Sunday!

Oxford Univ: Rubie, Hopcroft (Marsh 36), T Robinson (McBride HT), Adlen, Ellerby, FitzGerald (Fuchigami 71), Taberner, Tkachuk, Nicholas, Nwume (Hughes 41, Lehner 65), Miall, Russell (Edwards 36), Sherriff, Bolger, Hallett (Gemmell HT).

Bristol: Southwell, Bressington, Higgitt, Marsden, Ombu, Fielding, Britton, Payne, Rowland (Staniforth 62), Mooney, Oakley, Richards, McCarrick (Sacco 62), Lipman, Brownrigg (Leadbeater 32).

Referee: R Sawyer (RFU). LAST-GASP: Oxford winger Brett Hopcroft puts in a try-saving tackle on his opposite number Joseph Ombu in Bristol's only chance of the night Picture: John Gaisford