"Enjoy the occasion" - that's the message of Oxford University skipper Brett Robinson to his players ahead of this Sunday's momentous clash with world champions Australia at Iffley Road (November 4).

Robinson said he was not even thinking about how the Dark Blues might win the game, in what would appear to be a huge mismatch.

"I'm just looking on it as a fantastic experience for our players and a fanatstic honour for our club," said the former Australian international.

Robinson said this contest in front of 5,000 would not distract Oxford from their main focus this term - that of completing a hat-trick of victories over Cambridge at Twickenham on December 11.

Indeed, he sees the Australia match as a benefit.

"It will expose us to a level of intensity we won't have experienced before, and will show us what will be required to beat Cambridge," he said.

"It should also be valuable in helping us cope with the pressure of a big match."

Robinson is largely responsible for the fact that rugby giants such as new Aussie skipper George Gregan, Ben Tune, Steve Larkham and rugby league legend Wendell Sailor will be stepping out at Iffley Road.

The new Australian coach, Eddie Jones, was in charge of Super 12 side ACT Brumbies when Robinson was captain.

When the tour was first planned, Robinson suggested to Jones that they play at Oxford. And this became a reality when the players strike in Canada meant that extra games were needed in England.

Robinson explained: "With the RFU unable to provide any professional opposition because of the Zurich Premiership, Oxford was as good a side as the Australians were going to get.

"I think the Australians were looking to make this a more traditional tour," said Robinson. "They had a tradition of playing matches at Oxford until the 1980s, and I'm sure they will enjoy the game."

Robinsion is not worried about the likely one-sided nature of the game.

"It's a marvellous experience for us, and one we'll go out to enjoy."

The match which kicks off at 4pm, is a sell-out, so there is no chance of buying a ticket on the day.

Spectators are warned that there will be no parking in the vicinity of the ground, which will open from 2pm.

There will be no pre-match entertainment. "We're a very traditional club at Oxford," quipped director of rugby Steve Hill. "But the beer tents are open and spectators will be able savour the atmosphere of a big day."

The one encouragement for Oxford is that the Australians surprisingly struggled to beat a National Divisions side at Leicester on Sunday.

The tourists got home only 34-22, so Oxford will hope they won't have reached top gear by the time they get to Oxford.