OXFORD University have rested Australian international Joe Roff for their attractive match against Bristol at Clifton tonight (7.30).

Since coming back from the pre-season tour to Japan, Roff is one of the few Dark Blues to have played in every game.

"We don't want to wear him out before the Varsity Match," explained Oxford's director of rugby Steve Hill.

Sam Humphry-Baker has recovered from injury and fills the vacancy in the centre.

Hooker Winston Cowie also returns from a rib injury to take his place on the bench.

No 8 Marcel Du Toit suffered an ankle injury in training last week, so James Bucknall keeps his place in the back row, as the competition hots up for places.

Skipper Kevin Brennan, who broke his hand two weeks ago, has seen a specialist and aims to return for the Major Stanley's game on Wednesday, November 22.

In his absence, Doug Abbott leads the side against Bristol, who are not exepcrted to field as strong a line-up as the London Wasps one which romped to a 54-0 victory last week.

Oxford Univ: Jacobs, Squires, Mahony, Humphry-Baker, Tombleson, McMahon, Jenkins, Tomaszczyk, Rosen, Matthews, Alexander, Chance, Abbott (Captain) Palm Bucknall. Reps: Cowie, McGillion, Graham, Jones, Gill , Catling Benger