One of the longest rivalries in rugby and sport will be settled, for this year at least, at Twickenham on Thursday December 9th 2010.
With the line-ups for the Nomura Varsity match between Oxford and Cambridge Universities revealed, both sides go into the 129th match determined to deliver a top performance at the home of English rugby.
The Dark Blues of Oxford University are seeking revenge in the Nomura Varsity Match after defeat (31-27) last year at the hands of the Light Blues of Cambridge. And there's added pressure on Oxford to avoid falling further behind Cambridge in the victory count, which currently stands at 61 to 53 in favour of the Light Blues.
Cambridge will be led by fullback James Richards, already a two time Blue but is captaining the Cambridge team for the first time in a Varsity match. Richards brings southern hemisphere experience to the side as a former professional rugby player in South Africa. Included in his ranks is flanker Jason Kururangi -- who has proven rugby pedigree as the son of a New Zealand All Black.
Oxford skipper, scrum half Nick Haydon, played at under-18s and 21s for Australia and also captained Australia students. His team also boasts an All Black heritage through fly half Charlie Marr, the great grandson of a former New Zealand international.
But there's plenty of English talent on show too -- Oxford flanker Alex Cheesman has played for England 7s and is winning his third blue. Cambridge number 8 Ben Maidment has played for London Wasps and England students.
This historic match has seen many appearances from successful rugby internationals, including England's Rob Andrew, Victor Ubogu and Phil de Glanville, plus Gerald Davies, Gavin Hastings, David Kirk, Joe Roff and last year's victorious captain Dan Vickerman.
The video provides a unique insight into the build up to the Nomura Varsity match on December 9th, from the dramatic ritual of 'the challenge' between the two clubs to the team announcement at Twickenham and countdown to kick off.
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