Oxford University director of rugby Steve Hill says he has a stronger squad than last year with the Varsity Match fast approaching.

Twelve months ago, most positions in the Dark Blues' Twickenham side looked sewn up, but this time there are more players who look capable of making the grade.

As Hill and captain Joe Roff ponder their team for next Wednesday's Major Stanley's fixture, there is much top consider.

Hill said: "We now have a lot of strength and are going to have to make some tough decisions. All the players have put their hands up to be selected.

"Over the next three games we'll be looking to get some consistency of selection.

"We have more strength in depth than last year and the front row is particularly competitive.

"When the guys come off the bench, they make an impact.

"We are going to need all 22 players in the Varsity Match."

The Dark Blues secured a morale-boosting 33-14 victory over Exeter on Monday during which front row replacements Winston Cowie, Ollie Tomaszczyk and Richard Matthews all played their part.

Hill said: "I was particularly pleased with the second-half performance.

"In the first half the discipline wasn't good enough at the breakdown and we gave away a couple of penalties "But in the second half our control of field position was excellent.

"We played 70 per cent of the game in their half and managed it really well.

"We are preparing for the Varsity Match and control is very much the plan."

Hill added: "The forwards did the hard yards and that allowed Jonan Boto and Tom Tombleson to get opportunities later on.

"I thought Joe Roff was a very important calming influence.

"I think Exeter were a bit surprised how strong we were in the second half.

"We won it 21-0 and that showed how much we learned from the first half.

"After the two very difficult games we had against Northampton and the Ospreys, we had the right physical preparation.

"There was quite a bit of needle against Exeter, which was a good thing.

"We also wanted them to be more aggressive in defence and I think we saw that.

"The guys now have five days off before they can prepare for another big performance against Major Stanley's XV."