Toulouse

Saracens

Cardiff

Ulster

Formguide: Watch out Europe, Toulouse won nothing last year and, though we heard similar sounds a year ago, they are apparently still smarting and very, very angry. They've added All Black back rower Dylan Mika, apparently the missing piece in their jigsaw, and have started the season in thunderous form.

Saracens, after their heartbreaking last kick-defeats to Munster last season, have set their stall on Europe and look just about the form side in England going into this competition after their win at Bath propelled them to first place, although old inconsistencies still apply.

Cardiff too look the biggest spenders and best team out of Wales all of which leaves Ulster with a brute of a draw. They've strengthened well and rectified their weak scrum, their creative and kicking games are good, but the tendency to panic and fade in the last 10 minutes or so must be a concern.

Star turn: Thomas Castaignede. The latest in Sarries' list of high-profile signings to have a galvanic affect on the club on and off the pitch. The mercurial but gifted Frenchman begins with a poignant return to Toulouse on Saturday (a nice, easy one for the hugely promising Alain Rolland, whose French will help). In prolific form, but an erratic kicker, on his gamebreaking abilities and place-kicking do Sarries' hopes largely rest.

Forecast: Ulster should be more competitive this season and could spring a surprise this Friday, something of a crunch game first up, given Cardiff have a tendency to crack in pressure games. But the pool should ultimately rest between Toulouse and Saracens, with the former - the cup's most consistent campaigners - to lead them home, just about, once again.