AT round 2.45pm on Tuesday, in front of 50,000 rugby fans at Twickenham, an Oxford University student will be kicking for goal as though his life depended on it.

Tony Montague practisesAnd the man in the spotlight won't the Dark Blues' goalkicking specialist Matt Honeyben, who, at that time will be in the dressing rooms for the half-time break in the 121st Varsity Match.

No, it will be a complete novice to the art of kicking, namely Tony Montague from Lineacre College.

If the 32-year-old mathematics student is successful with one of his three kicks in front of the posts, he will win £1,000.

It's all part of the 'Kick for a Grand' competition, organised by the Varsity Match sponsors MMC, to keep the crowd entertained at half-time.

Montague became Oxford's representatrive by winning a competiton run in the Cherwell student newspaper. Just to add further to his pressure, the Cambridge kicker will be 21-year female economics student Li Ming Ong.

"Actually, I'm really excited, as I really have nothing to lose, apart from £1,000," said Montague.

"I've alway wanted the opportunity to tread on the Twickenham turf, and I've got the chance to earn some money as well. Even if I fail, I'm sure it will be a brilliant experience.

But the trainee teacher is not intending to fail, and to that end, he has been receiving some individual tuition from Oxford fly half Honeyben, after being donated boots by Rugby World magazine.

Montague, who has not played since performing in the centre for his 2nd XV at Wellingborough School in Northamptonshire, said: "I've never taken goalkicks before, so I've had a lot to learn."

"Matt concentrated on my run-up and told me to look at the ball. Because I have a tendency to hook the ball, he told me to aim at the right hand post.

"My success rate is about one in three, but that's without nobody watching. At Twickenham, I'll have to deal with the crowd. I'll just have to focus on the task and put everything else out of my mind.

What is Honeyben's verdict on his pupil?. "Tony's not the most natural kicker in the world, and he's not used to kicking," he said.

"His record is slightly better than one in three, so I'm hopeful he will succeed."

Montague is trying to shut out of his mind the thought of being beaten by someone who had never touched a rugby ball before.

"My focus is that I'll be representing Oxford - and I want us both to be winners on the day."

Having a given up a good job in the City to become a teacher, he will have the support of the pupils at St Birinus School, Didcot, where he has been teaching maths two day a week.

What will he do with the £1,000 if he wins it? "I'll use it to pay off some of my student debts," was his immediate response.

Varsity Match preview in Monday's Sportsmail JUST FOR KICKS: Proudly wearing an England shirt, Tony Montague practises for his big dayPicture: John Gaisford All the latest

reports, news

and tables

See Pages

20 & 29

See Page 32