Pool Four Preview/Ulster v Benetton Treviso, Ravenhill, 7.30: There would have been a premise abroad at one time that the visit of an Italian side would offer a gentle coaxing into the Heineken European Cup, the ideal first match fodder. Benetton Treviso exploded that myth in the past, famously against Harlequins, but it was last season they finally shook off any lingering condescension. John O'Sullivan reports

Victories over Bath and twice beating Bourgoin, including at the famously volatile bear-pit of Stade Pierre Rajon, heralded the quality of the team under the very capable coaching baton of New Zealander Craig Green.

The Italians also managed to make Leinster squirm in the opening match of last season's tournament and it was only in the final throes that the Irish province established more than a chink of daylight on the scoreboard.

Treviso's preparation for the current campaign is hampered by injury and the absence of a decent test in domestic competition. Calvisano surprised them in last season's Italian Championship Final - Treviso topped the standings - but other than that they regularly dole out 50-point drubbings. Green has spoken in the past of the fact it can undermine Treviso's chances as it takes a little while to become attuned to the higher echelon of European rugby.

South African-born Marius Goosen, a place-kicker of renown, and Italian internationals lock Andrea Gritti, centres Tommaso Visentin and Manuel Dallan and flanker David Dal Maso haven't made the match squad. There are seven Test players in the team including former Springbok Franco Smith, and two more in hooker Fabio Ongaro and flanker Salvatore Garozzo on the bench.

The Italian side possess decent set-pieces, are strong in the scrum and look to South African Marco Wentzel out of touch. They have a tall, athletic backrow who contest the opposition throw well, aside from mobility around the pitch. It won't all be about grunt. In diminutive fullback Brendan Williams Treviso are blessed with one of the finest broken-field runners in the tournament, his dancing feet and explosive speed easy on the eye. They'll prove obdurate, far from one-dimensional and unless Ulster's attitude is exemplary could prove a real handful.

The home side have enjoyed a fine start to the Celtic League and show obvious signs of maturing under the shrewd direction of Mark McCall. The Ulster eight have won most of the plaudits over the past 12 months but it the backline are starting to demand their own fanfare.

Andrew Trimble has blossomed, unfazed by the garlands that have been thrown his way. He is a young man with oodles of ability and is given to showing more than just the occasional cameo. That consistency demonstrates his aptitude to learn and along with Tommy Bowe, Trimble hints at an exciting future for Irish back play.

They are surrounded by experience, manifest in Kevin Maggs, David Humphreys, James Topping and Bryn Cunningam. New Zealand-born, Irish passport-holder Isaac Boss is presented with a timely opportunity to showcase his talent at scrumhalf following an injury to Kieran Campbell. The November internationals are looming so game time is a precious commodity.

Tonight it'll initially be about the Ulster pack, about establishing that platform and giving Humphreys the front-foot possession that will allow the outhalf to crank up the pressure. Few, if any, do it better. Neil Best has been a superb marauding presence with or without the ball, so too Neil McMillan. Roger Wilson needs to get on the ball a little more and raise the bar slightly.

The stage is set for another one of those rollicking, colourful Ravenhill nights. The team are charged with setting the tempo and encouraging the crowd to be a vociferous part of the occasion. It's not alone about winning but also about bonus points in this particular pool. Ulster and Treviso will be aware of this factor. There is no room for error.