Heineken Cup Pool guide

Lowdown: Once again they are in an extremely tough pool. The presence of either Robbie Kempson or Rod Moore should give the scrum a bit of ballast. Paul Steinmetz's partnership with Ryan Constable in midfield will be crucial.

POOL ONE

Ulster

Coach: Alan Solomons.

Captain: Andy Ward.

Ground: Ravenhill.

2002-2003 season: Pool stages.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Gwent Dragons (a); Dec 12th: v Stade Francais (h); Jan 11th: v Leicester (h); Jan 17th: v Leicester (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Stade Francais (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Gwent (h).

Lowdown: Once again they are in an extremely tough pool. The presence of either Robbie Kempson or Rod Moore should give the scrum a bit of ballast. Paul Steinmetz's partnership with Ryan Constable in midfield will be crucial.

Their excellent run in the Celtic League and the form shown by several young players give Ulster more depth than in previous seasons. They'll have a decent lineout, no matter which two from four coach Alan Solomons perms, and a strong back row in which Andy Ward will be expected to lead from the front. They need to add width to their game.

They have fantastic support at Ravenhill but will have to be able to win on the road and that's a tough ask when you're talking about Stade Jean Bouin and Welford Road. If the pack stands up to the task, then they'll be competitive.

Key Player: David Humphreys: He remains a crucial player for Ulster in the pivot position, both in terms of place-kicking and also directing the game.

Leicester Tigers

Coach: Jon Wells.

Captain: Neil Back.

Ground: Welford Road.

2002-2003: Quarter-finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Stade Francais (a); Dec 14th: v Gwent Dragons (h); Jan 11th: v Ulster (a); Jan 17th: v Ulster (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Gwent (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Stade Francais (h).

Lowdown: Have just announced the signing of Jaco van der Westhuyzen, the Springbok full back to replace the departed Tim Stimpson and the injured Geordan Murphy. Released both Josh Kronfeld and Dan Lyle before the tournament. Former All Black Darryl Gibson will bring experience to a young back line which, in Murphy's absence, will rely heavily on Austin Healey for craft. Interesting to note if he starts at 10 or they opt for Italian Ramiro Pez. Neil Back leads a pack that is long on ability and experience and includes Martin Johnson, Ben Kay, Martin Corry and Lewis Moody, as good a back five as you'll see in the tournament.

Very difficult to beat at home. If teams can match them up front - as Munster did last season - the two-time champions are considerably more vulnerable than they were a few seasons back.

Key Player: Austin Healey: The Tigers lack flair and if they're to record a third success in the tournament then he is the player who will be the catalyst to break open teams.

Stade Francais

Coach: Nick Mallet.

Captain: Benoit August.

Ground: Stade Jean Bouin.

2002-2003: Challenge Cup finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Leicester (h); Dec 12th: v Ulster (a); Jan 11th: v Gwent Dragons (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Ulster (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Leicester (a).

Lowdown: Beaten in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup final last season by Wasps, they won the French championship and now return to the elite of European competition. Fabien Galthie may have retired but in Argentinian scrumhalf Agustin Pichot they have a wonderful replacement. His countryman Ignacio Corletto will be a huge threat from full back in what should prove a high-quality back line that includes South African-born French international Brian Liebenberg, Christophe Dominici, Thomas Lombard and Stephane Glas. Diego Dominguez has been retained by the club on a playing salary of one euro a month, just in case things don't go according to plan.

They have a brute of a pack too which includes Sylvain Marconnet and Peter de Villiers in the front row. Have the all-round depth and quality to succeed but will need to be less brittle away from home.

Key Player: Agustin Pichot: Quick tap penalties, the eye for a gap and the ability to chivvy along his pack: the French game is tailor-made for him.

Gwent Dragons

Coach: Mike Ruddock.

Captain: Andy Marinos.

Ground: Rodney Parade.

2002-2003: Not applicable.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Ulster (h); Dec 14th: v Leicester (a); Jan 11th: v Stade Francais (h); Jan 18th: v Stade Francais (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Leicester (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Ulster (a).

Lowdown: Former Leinster coach Mike Ruddock will preside over the amalgamation of the Newport and Ebbw Vale clubs. The squad, led by centre Andy Marinos, contains 11 full Welsh internationals but hasn't overly impressed in the Celtic League to date, although they can't have been helped by financial problems off the pitch. Former Springbok full back Percy Montgomery will be back in time for the start of the competition. Scotland number eight Ross Beattie was a summer acquisition while Canada's durable prop Rod Snow is something of an immoveable object come scrum time.

They will be extremely difficult to beat at Rodney Parade where they had not lost a match at the time of writing but in this pool look a little out of their depth. Ruddock will have them well organised but that probably won't suffice.

Key Player: Andy Marinos: Will have a difficult job leading a team that could be overwhelmed when pitted against some of their pool rivals.

POOL TWO

Toulouse

Coach: Guy Noves.

Captain: Emile Ntamack/Fabien Pelous.

Ground: Stade Ernest Wallon.

2002-2003: Champions.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Edinburgh (a); Dec 12th: v Leeds Tykes (h); Jan 10th: v Ospreys (h); Jan 16th: v Ospreys (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Leeds Tykes (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Edinburgh (h).

Lowdown: Last season's champions and once again the bookmakers' favourites. It is doubtful whether their hunger will have been sated by the triumph and the squad is certainly no weaker than last season's. Guy Noves will direct 16 French internationals and Ireland's Trevor Brennan as they try to emulate Leicester with back-to-back wins. Frederick Michelak came of age as an outhalf during the World Cup and will probably start there for his club. Centre Yannick Jauzion also made a huge impression while others like flying wing Vincent Clerc and Xavier Garbajosa, who missed the World Cup through injury, will have plenty to prove. They have a powerhouse pack, an excellent set of halfbacks and plenty of pace in the three-quarter line. Also, they're in a shallow pool, ability-wise, and should get a home quarter-final to boot. The team to beat.

Key Player: Frederic Michelak: The new golden boy of French rugby can road-test his outhalf credentials and develop his game.

Leeds Tykes

Coach: John Callard.

Captain: Mike Shelley.

Ground: Headingley.

2002-2003: Challenge Cup participants.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Ospreys (h); Dec 12th: v Toulouse (a); Jan 9th: v Edinburgh (a); Jan 18th: v Edinburgh (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Toulouse (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Ospreys (a).

Lowdown: Will be guided by Jonathan Callard who had second thoughts and turned down the Leinster coaching position. The squad includes former Buccaneers and Connacht backrow Colm Rigney alongside a smattering of foreign players. Scottish outhalves Gordon Ross and Duncan Hodge will vie for the number 10 jersey while the foreign legion is augmented by Italian flanker Aaron Persico, Argentinian wing Diego Albanese and former Springbok centre Andre Snyman. They possess two quality wings in former Bristol and England flyer Phil Christophers and Dan Scarbrough. They lack a bit of punch in midfield and might not have the horse-power up front.

Key Player: Gordon Ross: He is the man in possession of the number 10 jersey at present and will need to show the kind of form he did last weekend when leading the Tykes to a win over Harlequins.

Neath/Swansea Ospreys

Coach: Lyn Jones.

Captain: Scott Gibbs.

Ground: St Helen's/The Gnoll.

2002-2003: Not applicable.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Leeds Tykes (a); Dec 12th: v Edinburgh (h); Jan 12th: v Toulouse (a); Jan 16th: v Toulouse (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Edinburgh (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Leeds Tykes (h).

Lowdown: Scott Gibbs and his team-mates won't be unduly concerned by the opposition with the exception of Toulouse. Nevertheless there will have to be a massive improvement from the performance they offered against Leinster at the weekend. Points machine Gavin Henson has already well passed the 100-point mark in the Celtic League but is prone to falling out with the coach. Jonathan Thomas and Shane Williams were starters at the World Cup and will be looking to take it on from there. Gibbs isn't the player he once was and away from home grounds, St Helen's and The Gnoll, the Ospreys do look vulnerable.

Key Player: Gavin Henson: Hugely talented player and a superb place-kicker. Not one of rugby's greatest tacklers so the full back role won't really suit him; better at outhalf.

Edinburgh

Coach: Frank Hadden.

Captain: Todd Blackadder.

Ground: Meadowbank.

2002-2003: Cup pool participants.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Toulouse (h); Dec 12th: v Ospreys (a); Jan 9th: v Leeds Tykes (h); Jan 18th: v Leeds Tykes (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Ospreys (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Toulouse (a).

Lowdown: Started off the Celtic League in spectacular fashion but suffered the ignominy of going from table toppers to table proppers in a short space of time, being thrashed at home by Ulster in the process. Former New Zealand captain Todd Blackadder has been an inspirational leader but one man can't make a team. They do have promising young Scotland scrumhalf Mike Blair and one of the best forwards in international rugby Simon Taylor. Brendan Laney may have lost out in terms of the Scottish side but he'll need to produce, not least in a place-kicking role. Scott Murray will win lineout ball, Chris Paterson will make a difference if he is played at outhalf but unless there is a significant improvement, they'll struggle.

Key Player: Chris Paterson: If he can continue the form he showed for Scotland at outhalf Edinburgh will be much tougher.

POOL THREE

Leinster Lions

Coach: Gary Ella.

Captain: Reggie Corrigan.

Ground: Lansdowne Road.

2002-2003: Beaten semi-finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Biarritz (h); Dec 12th: v Cardiff (a); Jan 9th: v Sale Sharks (h); Jan 18th: v Sale Sharks (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Cardiff (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Biarritz (a).

Lowdown: The disappointment of last year's semi-final defeat at Lansdowne Road should act as a huge motivational tool. The absence of Denis Hickie and Leo Cullen denies the team two quality internationals while the injured Kieran Lewis would have been strong back-up in a midfield long in power but possibly lacking a little finesse. New coach Gary Ella will bring a more expansive game that should suit the Leinster team provided they can establish the platform up front. The absence of Felipe Contepomi, the result of negligence, is a huge setback. Front-row cover is a little light but there is plenty of depth to the back five. Leaders like Shane Byrne, Reggie Corrigan, Keith Gleeson and Brian O'Driscoll have to step forward and inspire by example. It's tough group and while they're good enough to emerge, Contepomi would have given them a much better chance of realising that target.

Key Player: Christian Warner: In the absence of Contepomi, he'll be asked to shoulder the burden at outhalf. An excellent player, he'll have to quickly develop his kicking game to match his distribution skills.

Sale Sharks

Coach: Jim Mallinder.

Captain: Peter Anglesea.

Ground: Edgeley Park.

2002-2003: Cup pool participants.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Cardiff (h); Dec 13th: v Biarritz (a); Jan 9th: v Leinster (a); Jan 18th: v Leinster (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Biarritz (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Cardiff (a).

Lowdown: Started the season very poorly but recently showed signs of vast improvement in the Zurich Premiership. The presence of former Wallaby Graeme Bond alongside the Scottish quartet of Iain Fullarton, Bryan Redpath, Barrie Stewart and Jason White dilutes the English influence. Former Springbok Braam van Straaten will punish teams who give away penalties. Jason Robinson and the fit-again Charlie Hodgson, who may start in the centre instead of outhalf, are the prime movers and shakers in a three-quarter line that includes strong-running wings Mark Cueto and Steve Hanley. The problems will be winning enough quality ball up front to unleash that talent.

Key Player: Jason Robinson: Sale's game-breaker and the man they'll rely on to wreak havoc. Part of a strong-running back three.

Biarritz Olympique

Coach: Patrice Lagisquet/Alain Paco.

Captain: Thomas Lievremont.

Ground: Parc des Sports Aguilera.

2002-2003: Beaten quarter-finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Leinster (a); Dec 13th: v Sale Sharks (h); Jan 10th: v Cardiff (h); Jan 17th: v Cardiff (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Sale Sharks (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Leinster (h).

Lowdown: Beaten last season in the quarter-final where Leinster exacted revenge for the previous year during the pool stages. Boast a couple of top-quality Test players in the Romania duo Petru Balan and Ovidu Tonita and also Argentinian centre Martin Gaitan, who had a fine World Cup. Will look to their current quartet of French internationals - Serge Betsen (who missed the Leinster game through suspension), Dimitri Yachvili, Nicolas Brusque and Jean Thion - along with former Tricolores Philippe Bernat Salles, Jean Michel Gonzalez, Thomas Lievremont, Jimmy Marlu and Chrisophes Milheres. Appear to be an ageing side somewhat and might not be as formidable away from their home patch. Mercurial and therefore dangerous.

Key Player: Serge Betsen: The one-man wrecking ball who can completely stymie the most influential opponent. Just ask Jonny Wilkinson.

Cardiff Blues

Coach: Dai Young.

Captain: Martyn Williams Ground: Cardiff Arms Park.

2002-2003: Cup pool participants.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Sale Sharks (a); Dec 12th: v Leinster (h); Jan 10th: v Biarritz (a); Jan 17th: v Biarritz (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Leinster (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Sale Sharks (h).

Lowdown: Have struggled in the Celtic League this season and certainly have not delivered on the talent within the squad. Given the presence of the volatile Craig Quinnell - one sending-off already this season - and abrasive Canadian flanker Dan Baugh (three yellow cards) discipline will be something coach Dai Young will demand. When in the mood they possess the pace (Rhys Williams), the power (veteran Pieter Muller) and the genuine footballing ability (Iestyn Harris) to hurt teams behind the scrum. They have enough experience up front but whether they can keep everything together on high-pressure occasions remains to be seen. How they fare at home to Leinster in the second match will tell a great deal.

Key Player: Iestyn Harris: Showing signs of coming to terms with the switch from league to union. Needs to be a big performer if Cardiff are to surprise.

POOL FOUR

Agen

Coach: Christian Lanta.

Captain: Jean Jacques Crenca.

Ground: Stade Armandie.

2002-2003: Did not participate.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Borders (h); Dec 13th: v Northampton (a); Jan 9th: v Llanelli (a); Jan 17th: v Llanelli (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Northampton (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Borders (a).

Lowdown: The fourth ranked of the French teams, they are a side without too many stars. Led by French international prop Jean Jacques Crenca, they have nine French Test players including the veteran Christain Califano. Behind the scrum Francois Gelez and Pepito Elhorga, the latter of World Cup fame, will have key roles. The presence of Argentinian prop Omar Hasan suggests that Agen will be a tough team up front but may lack a cutting edge. They had a good record at home in the French championship and if they can translate that form to this competition they'll be strong contenders in a pool that gives them a fair chance of progress.

Key Player: Pepito Elhorga: A twinkle-toed runner and likely to start at full back; but how much ball will he see.

The Borders

Coach: Tony Gilbert.

Captain: Kevin Utterson.

Ground: Netherdale.

2002-2003: Challenge Cup participants.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Agen (a); Dec 14th: v Llanelli (h); Jan 10th: v Northampton (a); Jan 16th: v Northampton (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Llanelli (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Agen (h).

Lowdown: An ageing side that relies heavily on the experience of Scottish internationals Gary Armstrong, Dodie Weir and Gregor Townsend. The squad contains 12 players who have played for Scotland with prop Bruce Douglas and wing NikkiWalker of the most recent vintage. It also contains two Samoan Test players in full back Tanner Vili and Semo Sitit who had a superb World Cup. They will play well at home but lack the depth to trouble many teams away from Netherdale. It's difficult to see them being serious contenders in this group. There are too many key players here at the end of their careers.

Key Player: Gregor Townsend: In what will probably be his swansong season, he'll be the focus of all things creative.

Llanelli Scarlets

Coach: Nigel Davies/Gareth Jenkins.

Captain: Leigh Davies.

Ground: Stradey Park.

2002-2003: Beaten quarter-finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 5th: v Northampton (h); Dec 14th: v Borders (a); Jan 9th: v Agen (h); Jan 17th: v Agen (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Borders (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Northampton (a).

Lowdown: The one Welsh side who have flown the flag for rugby in the Principality during the lean international years. Captained from the centre by Leigh Davies - he'll be joined in midfield by former Lion Mark Taylor - they have a quality international wing in Mark Jones, while his namesake Stephen will be a key performer at outhalf. Dwayne Peel and the 6ft plus newcomer Mike Phillips will battle for the scrumhalf berth. The pack still packs a considerable punch, if a little weak in the front row. There is an embarrassment of riches in the back row manifest in the presence of Ireland's Simon Easterby, Scott Quinnell, Daffyd Jones and Dave Hodges. Stradey Park has been a fortress in European competition but, as Perpignan showed last season, Llanelli can be beaten there. Strong contenders.

Key Player: Scott Quinell or Stephen Jones: A toss-up as both are key performers for the Scarlets.

Northampton Saints

Coach: Wayne Smith.

Captain: Budge Pountney/John Leslie.

Ground: Franklin's Gardens.

2002-2003: Beaten quarter-finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 5th: v Llanelli (a); Dec 13th: v Agen (h); Jan 10th: v Borders (h); Jan 16th: v Borders (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Agen (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Llanelli (h).

Lowdown: Lost to the eventual champions Toulouse at the quarter-final stage last season in the Stade Ernest Wallon. Have recruited sensibly from the Southern Hemisphere, talent that includes New Zealanders Bruce Reihana, Andrew Blowers and Mark Robinson and Australian Mark Connors. The Scottish influence comes from Budge Pountney and Martin Leslie. There is also a healthy sprinkling of English World Cup winners in Matt Dawson, Paul Grayson, Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson. An excellent pack with quality halfbacks, they may lack a little punch in the centre but in Reihana and Cohen they have the pace and physique to hurt teams out wide. Also possess one of the best coaches in world rugby in Wayne Smith. Should vie with Llanelli to top the pool, with Agen the dangerous outsiders.

Key Player: Paul Grayson: The one perceived weakness in his game is that he doesn't get the best from his backline. If he can do that then Northampton will be dangerous.

POOL FIVE

Munster

Coach: Alan Gaffney.

Captain: Jim Williams.

Ground: Thomond Park.

2002-2003: Beaten semi-finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Bourgoin (a); Dec 13th: v Benetton Treviso (h); Jan 10th: v Gloucester (a); Jan 17th: v Gloucester (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Benetton Treviso (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Bourgoin (h).

Lowdown: While much of the media and public interest has centred around Christian Cullen - his return to fitness would be a massive fillip - it tends to deflect from the fact that Munster have tweaked their squad intelligently. Alan Quinlan will be a loss - he's out until the play-off stages if Munster get there - but a back row of Jim Williams, Anthony Foley and David Wallace is hardly to be sniffed at. Rob Henderson's return to fitness and his best form would give Munster added impetus in the centre but he too is struggling to be fit at the moment. The key for Alan Gaffney's men at present is to avoid injuries. When at full strength (even allowing for the absence of Cullen, Henderson and Quinlan) they are capable of beating the best. The depth of cover though isn't there. The opening game away to Bourgoin may shape their campaign.

Key Player: Ronan O'Gara: If he's given the platform and takes the opportunity to showcase his ability Munster will once again march into the play-offs.

Bourgoin

Coach: Laurent Seigne.

Captain: Pierre Raschi.

Ground: Stade Pierre Rajon.

2002-2003: Cup pool participants.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Munster (h); Dec 13th: v Gloucester (a); Jan 10th: v Benetton Treviso (a); Jan 18th: v Benetton Treviso (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Gloucester (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Munster (a).

Lowdown: Definitely a team without stars but does include the hard-hitting French international flanker Sebastien Chabal. They have also recruited South African Grant Esterhuizen and Italian international Frederico Pucciariello. Like all French sides, they will be very difficult to beat at home and they can't have fluked their way to a fifth place finish in the French championship, one spot ahead of Perpignan. The team ethic is highly prized at the club and it is the sum of the parts that makes them tough to beat. Contain just one other French international in 28-year-old prop Olivier Millhoud. A better definition of what they are capable of will be gleaned when Munster visit Stade Pierre Rajon today. Interestingly the last Irish side to visit here, Ulster, were well beaten.

Key Player: Sebastien Chabal: Tough, uncompromising, mobile flanker who loves the physical aspect of the game. Can produce thunderous tackling.

Benetton Treviso

Coach: Craig Green.

Captain: Alessandro Troncon.

Ground: Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

2002-2003: Challenge Cup participants.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Gloucester (h); Dec 13th: v Munster (a); Jan 10th: v Bourgoin (h); Jan 18th: v Bourgoin (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Munster (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Gloucester (a).

Lowdown: There are 15 Italian internationals in the squad and one familiar face to an Irish audience. Simon Mason is a former Ireland full back and a former European Cup winner with Ulster back in 1999. He is undoubtedly one of the best place-kickers of this or any other era and would be a serious rival for Jonny Wilkinson. Behind the scrum Treviso possess the Dallan brothers, Manuel and Denis, centre Walter Pozzebon and wing Massimiliano Perzabon. South African Franco Smith is at outhalf and up front there is plenty of international experience including hooker Fabio Ongaro and second row Carlo Checchinato.

Key Player: Alessandro Troncon: Key decision-maker and linkman, he'll be the one providing the team with direction.

Gloucester

Coach: Dean Ryan.

Captain: Jake Boer.

Ground: Kingsholm.

2002-2003: Cup pool participants.

Fixtures: Dec 6th: v Benetton Treviso (a); Dec 13th: v Bourgoin (h); Jan 10th: v Munster (h); Jan 17th: v Munster (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Bourgoin (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Benetton Treviso (h).

Lowdown: Gloucester's visit to Thomond Park last season will be remembered for two things; the fact that they left their playbook in the back of a taxi and the way in which they completely buckled on the pitch and lost their chance of progressing to the play-offs. It is pretty much the same old faces. England props Trevor Woodman and Phil Vickery are the corner-stones of a big strong pack, led by captain Jake Boer, while scrumhalf Andy Gomarsall was unlucky not to see more action at the World Cup. Have two of the best young wings in these islands in Marcel Garvey and James Simpson Daniel but will require Henry Paul to be much more effective than he was in the bigger matches.

Key Player: Duncan McRae: Especially if he plays outhalf. Given what he did to Ronan O'Gara on the last Lions tour it'll take a bit of courage for him just to turn up at Thomond Park.

POOL SIX

Celtic Warriors

Coach: Lyn Howells.

Captain: Gareth Thomas.

Ground: Brewery Field.

2002-2003: Not applicable.

Fixtures: Dec 5th: v Calvisano (h); Dec 13th: v Perpignan (a); Jan 11th: v London Wasps (a); Jan 16th: v London Wasps (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Perpignan (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Calvisano (a).

Lowdown: Possess a decent young back line. Gareth Cooper will be first-choice scrumhalf having arrived from Bath and he'll link up with hisinternational team-mate Ceri Sweeney at halfback. The New Zealand-born Sonny Parker and club captain and fellow Welsh Test player Gareth Thomas will form the midfield. Veteran Wales and Lions wing Daffyd James will be on one flank with Kevin Morgan at full back. Up front there is the second-row power of Australian-born Brent Cockbain and Rob Sidoli, Nathan Budgett and Mefin Davies. They also have points-scoring phenomenon Neil Jenkins and it is likely that he will be accommodated in the side, especially away from home. This is a team that could surprise a few pundits, particularly if they can avoid injury to a few key players.

Key Player: Gareth Thomas: He demonstrated his versatility at fullback for Wales in the World Cup but in this competition will be looking to form a potent midfield partnership and provide his team with a cutting edge.

Calvisano

Coach: Gilbert Doucet.

Captain: Giampiero de Carli.

Ground: Calvisano Stadium.

2002-2003: Cup pool participants.

Fixtures: Dec 5th: v Celtic Warriors (a); Dec 13th: v London Wasps (h); Jan 10th: v Perpignan (a); Jan 17th: v Perpignan (h); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v London Wasps (a): Jan 30th/31st.Feb 1st: v Celtic Warriors (h).

Lowdown: Struck a blow for the Italian underdogs last season winning two pool matches, against Neath and Beziers, the latter on their own ground. Topped the league standings in Italy last season but lost to Benetton Treviso in the final of the championship play-offs. There are 12 Italian internationals in the squad led by prop Gianpiero de Carli with fellow Test players Luca Damasco (prop), Martin Castrogiavanni (prop), Andrea de Rossi (number eight), Luca Mastrodomenico (second row), Andrea Moretti (hooker), Salvatore Perugini (prop) and Maurizio Zaffiri (flanker) who provides the beef. Behind the scrum veteran international Paolo Vaccari is still playing and he is joined by Nicola Mazzucato, Fijian Apenisa Vodo, centre Christian Zanoletti and Giovanni Raneri. Will do well to repeat last year's displays but they won't be a pushover at home.

Player: Gerard Fraser: Outhalf and playmaker, he'll be behind a pack that will win ball and have some decent backs outside him. He needs to get the mix right.

London Wasps

Coach: Warren Gatland/Shaun Edwards.

Captain: Lawrence Dallaglio.

Ground: Causeway Stadium.

2002-2003: Challenge Cup winners.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v Perpignan (h); Dec 13th: v Calvisano (a); Jan 11th: v Celtic Warriors (h); Jan 16th: v Celtic Warriors (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Calvisano (h); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v Perpignan (a).

Lowdown: The Parker Pen Challenge Cup winners of last season, they also won the Zurich Premiership play-offs. Warren Gatland, the director of rugby, and former rugby league legend Shaun Edwards, who is the coach, lead a squad that's long on ability. Former All Black Craig Dowd shows no sign of slowing down, Simon Shaw is a colossus in the second row while the breakaway unit contains captain Lawrence Dallaglio. Joe Worsley and possibly Ireland's Johnny O'Connor. There's a problem at hooker as neither Trevor Leota nor Phil Greening can throw straight under pressure. Rob Howley and Alex King are a good half-back partnership while the three-quarter line is teeming with internationals including Paul Sampson, Tom Voyce, Stuart Abbot and England full back Josh Lewsey. Should be a straight fight with Perpignan for outright honours.

Key Player: Simon Shaw: He'll be their main ball-winner out of touch and he carries a huge amount of ball and can break tackles.

Perpignan

Coach: Olivier Saisset.

Captain: Bernard Goutta.

Ground: Stade Aime Giral.

2002-2003: Beaten Finalists.

Fixtures: Dec 7th: v London Wasps (a); Dec 13th: v Celtic Warriors (h); Jan 10th: v Calvisano (h); Jan 17th: v Calvisano (a); Jan 23rd/24th/25th: v Celtic Warriors (a); Jan 30th/31st/Feb 1st: v London Wasps (h).

Lowdown: Last season's surprise finalists, who accounted for Llanelli and Leinster in the play-offs away from home, they have recruited extensively during the summer. Ireland's Mick O'Driscoll is currently out with a knee injury but should be back for the four pool matches after Christmas. Dan Luger, Tim Stimpson, Australian centre Daniel Herbert and New Zealander Scott Robertson boost a foreign contingent that also includes Manny Edmonds, Rimas Alvarez and Perry Freshwater.

Still contain some of last season's heroes including Pascal Bomati and Pascal Giordani. One huge question mark for coach Olivier Saisset is whether the huge influx of foreigners will dilute the team ethic of a proud Catalan club. Passionate support, they'll be almost impossible to beat at home and have the quality to travel well, as they showed last season.

Key Player: Manny Edmonds: He ran the show for them last season and with the arrival of Stimpson there isn't the same pressure on him in the place-kicking department.