Stade Francais
L'Aquilla
Swansea
Wasps
Formguide: Under new coach, ex-Queenslander John Connolly, Stade Francais, aka the Parisian Globetrotters, again look the class act in this pool and have seriously strengthened their squad over the summer by signing Patricio Noriega, Canadian lock Mike Jones, Colomiers flanker Patrick Tabacco, Canadian scrumhalf Williams and, of course, Simon Mason as back-up goalkicker.
Wasps have big scoring potential, but are erratic, losing by 59 points to Newcastle two weekends ago, then thumping Northampton 53-17 last Sunday. Hopes are high for Swansea, but then that's the Welsh for you, although, after starting slowly, have run up 124 points in their last two outings against Edinburgh and Ebbw Vale. L'Aquila's full-strength side impressed Munster pre-season, though, having spoken to Brewer 12 months ago, this has come a year ahead of schedule.
Star turn: Christophe Dominici. The quicksilver throwback to a byegone era started the season with a hat-trick on the opening day a fortnight ago and with potentially rich pickings here could be a decent bet to be leading try-scorer.
Forecast: Having conquered France last season, Stade Francais have made little secret of their desire to do the same to Europe which would also serve to fulfill a last outstanding ambition for Diego Dominguez. It will be something of a surprise if they don't accumulate at least 10 points in this pool, with Wasps their strongest challengers and contenders for a last eight place via the two best runners-up slots.
