By David Blair

Read David Blair's Heineken Cup guide now!


Pool 1: Edinburgh, Munster, Racing Metro, Saracens

Three quarter-finalists from last season are joined by Racing Metro in a group which will probably be decided between Munster and Saracens.

Don’t miss. Racing Metro and Edinburgh played out two classics in the pool stages last season, the Scottish side edging both by the skin of their teeth. Same again, please.

One to watch. Casey Laulala (Munster) A new threat in the Munster backline since his move from Cardiff Blues in the summer, Laulala could play a pivotal role in Munster’s campaign.

Safe bet. Three wins for Munster at Thomond Park.

Going through. Munster. Saracens will come unstuck in Edinburgh and/or Paris.

Pool 2: Treviso, Leicester Tigers, Ospreys, Toulouse

This is the first of two contenders for the group of death’. Two heavyweights of English and French rugby
are set to go head to head against the reigning Pro12 champions and a Treviso side well capable of rocking the boat.

Don’t miss. Leicester travel to Toulouse in round one, definitely the pick of the opening weekend.

One to watch. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) Arguably best spoiling openside in Wales. Tipuric could cause both the Tigers and Toulouse a lot of trouble on the ground.

Safe bet. At least one of the heavyweights faces an early exit.

Going through. Toulouse. The French giants always seem to find a way through the pool stages.

Pool 3: Biarritz, Connacht, Harlequins, Zebre

Harlequins have been handed a relatively easy draw, in theory. Zebre are the new Italian franchise, expect
them to struggle. But Biarritz, current Amlin holders, and Connacht will put up a fight at home.

Don’t miss. Connacht ended Quins hopes last year with a shock win at the Sportsground. It wasn’t exactly a try fest but it was captivating, the final score, 9-8.

One to watch. Mike Brown (Harlequins) A top performer for Harlequins over a number of seasons. Brown has forced his way into the national team despite stiff competition in his position.

Safe bet. Two qualifiers from this pool is almost a certainty with Zebre set to take a few heavy defeats.

Going through. It should all be plain sailing for Harlequins and Biarritz, emphasis on the word should.

Pool 4:. Castres, Glasgow Warriors, Northampton Saints, Ulster

Our two most recent losing finalists, Northampton Saints and Ulster, are drawn together in this pool. They will face the much underrated Glasgow Warriors and Castres from the Top 14.

Don’t miss. Northampton Saints visit to Belfast with Ravenhill in full voice will not disappoint.

One to watch. Ruan Pienaar (Ulster) We’ve not yet seen him in the white of Ulster this season, but the Springbok scrumhalf looks in fine form and was the architect of their run to the final last year.

Safe bet. Castres are unlikely to add to only three Heineken away wins this year at Franklin Gardens or Ravenhill.

Going through. Ulster will be the favourites, and Northampton Saints could join them depending on how Glasgow fair.

Pool 5. Clermont Auvernge, Exeter, Leinster, Scarlets.

An alternative pick for the group of death, most people think the winner will come from this pool containing the reigning European champions, a Clermont team desperate for success and possibly the most exciting backline in Europe. Fair to say Exeter have been handed a rough draw.

Don’t miss. Leinster and Clermont battled to the end in a thrilling semi-final last year. Their back-to-back home and away fixtures in December are sure to be equally as captivating.

One to watch. George North (Scarlets) George is the pick of a Scarlets backline which, if its clicks, could cause havoc for any team in the competition. Leinster and Clermont beware.

Safe bet. Expect tries, and lots of them. Leinster and Clermont managed a staggering 55 tries between them last season in the competition. Throw the Scarlets into that mix and we will surely see some scores.

Going though. One from three, but it’s difficult to look past the three times reigning champions. Leinster have been there, and done it all before.

Pool 6. Cardiff Blues, Montpellier, Toulon, Sale Sharks

The Blues and Sale will have their work cut out against two French opponents on the hunt for European success. Toulon’s squad is packed with international stars, whilst Montpellier surprised a lot of people with their progress to the Top 14 final last season.

Don’t miss. The last fixture of the opening weekend is a fiery looking all French encounter at the Stade Felix Mayol in Toulon.

One to watch. Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks) The forgotten man of English rugby, Cipriani will hope to make an impression on his return to the European stage after his overseas adventures. One thing is for certain, it won’t be dull.

Safe bet. The side with the highest penalty count against can expect an early exit. Jonny Wilkinson, Francois Trinh-Duc and Leigh Halfpenny are all points’ accumulators of the highest calibre.

Going through. Toulon. The big spenders should progress into the knockout stages, though Cardiff could spring a surprise.