Oxford University have named nine new Blues in their team to face Cambridge in next Tuesday's Varsity Match.

The Dark Blues' entire front five will be making their debuts in the Twickenham showpiece, but lock Richard Graham, a starter in 2005, is only on the bench.

John Chance and Dylan Alexander are chosen ahead of Graham, while Winston Cowie gets the nod at hooker ahead of Dan Rosen - a replacement for the second year running.

The other new Blues are props Ollie Tomaszczyk and Richard Matthews, full back Chris Mahony, centres Joe Roff and Jon O'Connor and fly half Craig McMahon.

Speaking at the announcement at Twickenham yesterday, captain Kevin Brennan said: "Choosing the back row and hooker was hard, but the most difficult decision was at second row. We didn't actually decide that until Sunday afternoon.

"Before he was injured at Bristol, Richard Graham was playing really well, but John and Dylan came in and did excellently.

"We gave Richard his chance to get back in, but we felt we would kept the continuity with John and Dylan."

As predicted in yesterday's Oxford Mail, the Dark Blues have selected Dan Palm at openside flanker despite concerns over a hamstring injury.

The back row has arguably been their strongest department, which is reflected by James Bucknall and Marcel Du Toit both making the bench.

Oxford's replacements also include Tim Catling, who has shot to prominence after not making the tour squad, while there are five of the seven are forwards.

Director of rugby Steve Hill said: "We felt we wanted our best 22 players available on the day.

"Both Marcel and James have pushed very hard for a starting place this year.

"We feel that those two and Richard Graham have the ability to come off the bench and make an impact.

"We also feel we have a degree of flexibility in the backs so only having two on the bench shouldn't be a problem."

Tomaszczyk's selection, although expected after a fine season, is a rarity as he is a first year student.

Hill said: "It's a great achievement, especially as a prop. The last fresher that got anywhere near was Simon Danielli and he was only on the bench.

"Rob Andrew knew him up at Newcastle Falcons and said he was a real nuisance in training by getting in amongst the big guys and he has done that for us."

Cambridge include former Henley Hawks player and Oxford Brookes student Dave Tibbott at right wing, while fly half Johnny Ufton wins his fourth Blue.

Oxford University: Chris Mahony, Jonan Boto*, Joe Roff, Jon O'Connor, Tom Tombleson*, Craig McMahon, Kevin Brennan* (capt), Ollie Tomaszczyk, Winston Cowie, Richard Matthews, John Chance, Dylan Alexander, Doug Abbott*, Dan Palm*, James Jones*. Reps: Dan Rosen*, Marcus McGillion, Richard Graham*, Marcel Du Toit, Peter Jenkins*, James Bucknall, Tim Catling.

* Denotes Blue