Cambridge head coach Duncan Holland says he will continue chasing perfection right up to the 152nd Boat Race, which is sponsored by Xchanging.

Sunday’s race, which takes gets underway at 4.35pm, will be Holland’s first in charge. And he’s relishing the challenge.

"We’re always looking for perfection," he said. "We never get there, but we will keep chasing it. We’ll still be looking for improvement on the morning of the race.

"Things are coming together. We’ve had some good training rows this week.

"This is the lightest week we’ve had all year, so the boys are beginning to bounce and come up now.

"I’m confident we’ve got a fast crew, but I’m also sure Oxford have got a fast crew too," he added.

"All the signs suggest it will be a close race. It won’t be good for my blood pressure, but I’m anticipating a great contest.

"Most events have preliminary rounds, so if you don’t do so well, you get a second chance. There’s absolutely no second chance in the Boat Race, it comes down to who gets it right on the day. It’s like a prize fight.

"You have to plan like a prize fight. You don’t know what their tactics are, so if they sting you with one, you have be able to think on your feet."