OXFORD University head coach James Wade is happy to admit the pressure is on his side as they target a record fifth Varsity Match victory.

And Wade, who has tasted success in all three of his Twickenham showdowns with Cambridge University, says that gives Oxford added motivation for the December 11 clash.

“All the pressure is on us to perform once again having won in the past few years and so far the players are holding up well under that strain,” he said.

“It’s a bit easier for Cambridge at the moment and we know they are working harder than ever before.

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“But that’s what’s driving us on. The forwards are playing really well at the moment, whereas the backs were flying in our earlier matches.

“By the time we get to Twickenham it would be nice to have both aspects of our game in top condition.”

Oxford lost 9-5 to Worcester Cavaliers at Iffley Road on Tuesday night, but Wade was not too disappointed.

“It’s all about peaking for the right time and while I’m fairly happy with the way things are going, there is still a lot for us to work on,” he said.

“There is a nice edge about the team at the moment and the team spirit is building.

“The good thing is we have a couple of players who will be coming back into the mix who will sharpen things up even more over the next few weeks.”

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