Andy Sprague is a surprise selection at outside centre for Oxford University’s traditional clash with the Major Stanley’s XV today (3).

Sprague gets his Blues debut with just three games to go until the Nomura Varsity Match at Twickenham on December 9.

With Sean Morris still out injured, Dark Blues head coach Murray Henderson said Sprague deserved his chance.

“We have a new lad in at 13 to see what he can do,” said Henderson.

“He has been shaping up well with the Greyhounds.”

Jamie Durwood gets his chance to partner Karl Outen at lock after returning from injury, while experienced forwards Tom Evans and Dan Guinness are back on the bench.

Former England lock Garath Archer and Portuguese international flanker Salvador da Cunha head up the Stanley’s side.

Oxford University: Crozier, Fenwick, Sprague, Cheesman*, J Mather, Marr, Haydon* (capt), Macdonald, Connor, Kane, Durwood, Outen*, Rowe, L Mather, McKeen*#. Reps: Oliver/Wissen, Anderson, Lane, Evans, D Guinness, H Guinness, Jones, Swan, Yusef, Williams.

Major Stanley’s XV: Mahony*, Pe Davies, Mitchell, Heke, Smith, Phillips, McKerchar*, Baird, Ross, Blacklock, Archer#, C Davies*, Ph Davies, da Cunha#, Rickner. Reps: Ritchie, Matthews*, G Davies, Jenkins*, Traynor, Whitford*, Clark, Gentilli, Allen.

* denotes Blue. # denotes international.