Colomiers

Gloucester

Llanelli

Roma

Formguide: Roma are the new force in Italian rugby, winning last season's domestic championship for the first time in 51 years and have already beaten Padova (for the first time in six years) away and could cause an upset or two in a far from imposing group, but then the Italian domestic championship is hardly ideal preparation for Europe.

After four defeats in their opening five games, successive home wins over Harlequins and Bristol has been a timely fillip for Gloucester. Injury to Simon Easterby and the hangover from last season's self-inflicted injury-time semi-final defeat to Northampton ensured a slow start for Llanelli although they've turned the corner with three high scoring wins on the bounce - albeit against Caerphilly, Cross Keys and Pontypridd. Colomiers, having lost the talismanic Tabacco and Marc dal Maso, have little form to go on.

Star turn: Jason Little. Still only 30 - and as signings from Langford to Lynagh have proved - experienced, outgoing Aussies can be the pick of the southern hemisphere's bigname acquisitions. Even after a recent knee op, and operating at 80 per cent, Little scored two tries on his debut last week. Could form a potent partnership with the strong-running Chris Yates and evidence of his impact is that he could be made captain.

Forecast: An open group, with Roma unlikely to emerge as contenders and even a weakened Colomiers, despite their cup experience, may be inclined to focus more on les affaires domestique given six teams will be relegated this season to trim the French first division. Gloucester are cup newcomers, but have passionate home support, so this Friday's opener in Stradey Park should set the tone and the tempo, with Llanelli set for another protracted run perhaps.