Blues of both shades have been competing this week in the World Rowing Championships in Munich with the men’s eights final – rowing’s biggest prize – a particularly interesting contest which reflects the quality of Boat Race oarsmen.

The British eight has Oxford’s Acer Nethercott coxing with Robin Bourne-Taylor in the seven-seat. Tom Parker, another Dark Blue, was supposed to have been in the bow seat all week before being laid low by a bug and, ironically, was replaced by 2007 Cambridge President Tom James.

James has been in good Light Blue company with Josh West, and Tom Stallard – both former Cambridge rowers - at five and two respectively in the boat.

Germany, reigning world champions, meanwhile, have fielded Light Blues Sebastian Schulte at five and Bernd Heidicker at stroke. Germany beat the USA, 2005 world champions at Eton last year to take their gold.

The USA, also finalists here, have included 2007 Dark Blue oarsman Brodie Buckland in their two-seat whilst Canada, another finalist in the event, have been fielding Jake Wetzel of 2006 Oxford Boat Race vintage.

Meanwhile former Oxford coach Dan Topolski and Dark Blue oarsman Hugh Matheson have both been part of television commentary teams in Munich. The next Boat Race is on March 29 at 17.15 (GMT)