OXFORD University have picked a powerful phalanx of six Australians as they attempt to turn the tables on Cambridge in the 17th Varsity Match at Twickenham next Tuesday (2pm).

The Light Blues have won the last four encounters, but there is a genuine mood of optimism at Iffley Road this term that they can lift the Bowring Bowl for the first time since 1993.

Such is the sporting pre-eminence of Australia at present, that Oxford are sure to benefit from the deadly half-dozen from Down Under.

These include the skipper David Kelaher, who has recovered from a knee injury sustained in the pre-season tour of South Africa.

Other Aussies to look out for are scrum half Shaun Barry, talented centre Nathan Ashley and powerful long striding No 8 Mark Challender.

There was nearly a seventh Australian in the line-up. But centre John Kinniburgh injured his back a fortnight ago and loses his place to the versatile United States international Kurt Shuman.

Shuman, who has played at full back and fly-half, deserves his Blue after several outstanding displays.

Richie Woodfine, who has recovered from a hamstring strain, plays at full back, and is one of only five Englishmen in the side. There will be disappointment in some quarters that Oxford can find no room for teenage winger Simon Danielli, scorer of that memorable try against Major Stanley's XV.

"Simon is a very good player, said Kelaher. "Probably in any other year he would have got in. But we've got two very good and fast wingers. Indeed all three of them will go 11 seconds for 100 metres."

Both Steve Hill, Oxford's director of rugby, and Kelaher agree reluctantly that the Dark Blues start this year as favourites, although they are very wary of Cambridge's strengths.

Centre Mark Denney and Mark Robinson, who has just signed for Canterbury's Super 12 team in New Zealand, will spearhead the Light Blues' challenge, but Oxford's pack looks to have the upper hand.

Kelaher remains optimistic: "I think we've got a very good side. We've got a lot of good players and a lot of experience. We're only quietly confident, as we know it will be very competitive."

This year's match is supporting the 75th anniversary of the Cancer Research Campaign, by hoping to raise lots of money for this valuable and long established charity. Oxford Univ: R Woodfine (St Edmund Hall), *N Booth (Worcester), N Ashley (University), K Shuman (Templeton), N Humphries (St Anne's), R Governey (St Edmund Hall), S Barry (St Cross), A Collins (Lincoln), B O'Connor (St Edmund Hall), *A Reuben (University), *A J Roberts (New), A Russell (Magdalen), N Celliers (Keble), *D Kelaher (St Cross) (Capt), M Challender (St Anne's).

Cambridge Univ: R Morrow (Hughes Hall), A Bidwell (Hughes Hall), *M Robinson (Hughes Hall), *M Denney (St Edmund's), S Lippiett (Corpus Christi), P Moran (Hughes Hall), G Peacocke (Hughes Hall), *M T Foulds (Sidney Sussex) (Capt), S Rodgers (Homerton), C Hart (Hughes Hall), A Innes (Hughes Hall), H Innes (Hughes Hall), O Slack (St Edmund's), M Haslett (St Catharaine's), *H Whitford (Hughes Hall).

*denotes Blue.

Referee: E Morrison.

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