OXFORD University captain Jacob Taylor says he is not allowing his experienced squad to become stale.

The students have started with 12 Blues in their last two matches, with none of those players having been involved in a Varsity Match defeat.

But as Taylor attempts to lead Oxford to a record fifth-straight victory, he won’t let them rely on their past.

“The good thing is that there is a real feeling of newness around the squad,” he said.

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“We are not relying on what happened last year or even the last four.

“Just because players have been here before doesn’t give them an automatic right to selection.”

And Taylor added that the Dark Blues’ first defeat of the season – 21-15 at Richmond on Tuesday night – would spur them on.

“It was definitely disappointing,” he said.

“We didn’t really play in the way we wanted to and know that we can, but there were still a few positives.

“When things are going well, you often overlook the areas where you are not so strong.

“A defeat like this is good to remind ourselves of the hard work we need for the next few months.

“The feeling of defeat is probably the most powerful motivator to put things right.”

Taylor returned for 40 minutes at Richmond following a stress fracture to his right foot.

“It’s one of those things you need to be conservative with,” he said.

“It was quite frustrating having to lead from the sideline, so it was great to be back involved.

“Hopefully, I will be playing a full 80 minutes in a few weeks’ time.”

When elected captain, Taylor said he planned to play at fly half, but he started at full back against Richmond, with George Cullen wearing the No 10 shirt.

“In the backline, we need to try out a few combinations,” he said.

“I am a natural full back and George is a natural ten, who is playing well.

“I will give myself a go at ten in a future match.”

Oxford will now host Nottingham at Iffley Road next Tuesday (7.15pm) after Leicester pulled out of the game due to injury problems.

Taylor said: “The whole aim of these matches is making sure we have what we are doing ‘off pat’, so we can produce against anyone.”

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