Ansbro's Oxford counterpart at outside centre was former Australian international Joe Roff. And though the Saints youngster could not repeat last month's two-try performance against the Wanderers, he helped deny the Wallaby World Cup winner the time and space to create any serious Dark Blue opportunities.

Cambridge led 10-6 at the break thanks to a penalty try awarded while both packs had been reduced by a double sinbinning. The Light Blues also scored the only points of the second half with John Blaikie's try.

Saints winger David Akinluyi - who had been included in Cambridge's line-up thanks to his ongoing PhD studies - was a late withdrawal.

Cambridge captain Blaikie was satisfied with the win, if not the spectacle provided by either side.

"From the start, we had the wood on them in the scrum which makes all the difference," he said. "I don't think it was the most pretty game to watch, but we played to our strengths and I'd like to think we pleased the purists.

"And that was my first try in five years, so I'll definitely claim it."