Oxford University’s Varsity Match preparations are well under way, but captain George Messum believes this weekend’s trip to Croatia could be a defining moment in their bid for a historic sixth successive victory.

The Dark Blues travel to Zagreb this morning ahead of their match against the Croatian national team, ranked 53rd in the world, at 1.15 GMT tomorrow.

Oxford have just under six weeks until they take on Cambridge University at Twickenham on December 10, looking to become the first side to make it six Varsity wins in a row.

After defeats to Worcester Warriors’ second string and Blackheath in recent weeks, Oxford have not recorded a victory since they beat Queensland University at the beginning of the month.

But even if the Dark Blues do come away from Zagreb without the win, Messum, who is in his first year as captain, is mindful of the importance of the trip.

The 24-year-old said: “It is quite a defining period in our season.

“We get to go away and play against a good international side – it is an incredible challenge and a different experience.”

Messum added: “It is not just what we do on the field, the time we spend together off it is as important.

“It is so important if the guy next to you is willing to put his body on the line for you.

“Things like this will be good in terms of getting guys together, but I am happy with how the squad is bonding.”

The Dark Blues are taking a 22-man squad to Croatia.

But Fraser Heathcote, Matthew Shorthose, Guy Fairburn, Matt Janney, Will Thomas, Matt Geiger, William Wilson and Ralph Weir all miss out through injury and unavailability.

Oxford University: Anderson, Williams, Ball, Lu, Halpin, Thornton, Taylor, MacGilchrist, Marsden, Roberts-Huntley, Faktor, Messum (capt), de Berker, Fairburn, Cullen, Abraham, Lamont, Hughes, O Shorthose, Stileman, Goodfellow, Kershaw.