HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP POOL GUIDES
POOL 1: BATH, LEINSTER, TOULOUSE, WASPS
LEINSTER are the holders and the firm favourites, with good reason. Leo Cullen has a squad full of Test quality — including a multitude of Ireland players led by the majestic Johnny Sexton. The Dublin-based side are seeking a record fifth title, as are Toulouse. Wasps have the firepower to pose a threat in this pool, but defensive flaws and inconsistency mean that they and Bath will struggle to avert a predictable outcome. Predicted qualifiers: Le inst er.
POOL 2: CASTRES, EXETER, GLOUCESTER, MUNSTER
THIS could be a pool of death. Exeter are most likely to finish top, but their credentials will be thoroughly tested. Castres are French champions and among the more resilient Top 14 clubs away from home. At their best, Gloucester are qualification contenders and they will reprise the ‘miracle match’ in Limerick with more hope than in the era when Munster dismissed all-comers in their iconic arena. Predicted qualifiers: Exeter, Munster.
POOL 3: CARDIFF, GLASGOW, LYON, SARACENS
THE English champions can expect to dominate. Saracens know their way around this tournament and will be highly motivated by last year’s exit at the quarter-finals. Both Cardiff and Glasgow veer between extreme peaks and troughs, while Lyon are newcomers at Europe’s top table. Saracens will want to be firmly in command of the pool before they visit the French side in January, just in case. Predicted qualifiers: Saracens, Lyon.
POOL 4: LEICESTER, ULSTER, RACING 92, SCARLETS
IT IS all but impossible to call this pool with any conviction. Leicester have fine pedigree but have endured some horrors in the league this season. The same can be said for Ulster. Racing have been losing finalists in two of the last three seasons and have an outstanding squad. Yet, the Parisians have so much power, which may just give them an edge over the Scarlets who boast an audacious attack. Predicted qualifiers: Racing 92, S car lets.
POOL 5: NEWCASTLE, TOULON, EDINBURGH, MONTPELLIER
ANOTHER puzzling pool, which depends in part on the French. If Montpellier commit to the cause they could be title challengers. Toulon are in disarray but have enough class to qualify. Edinburgh will be out-gunned. The same goes for Newcastle, who may focus on Premiership survival, despite the fact that their city will host this season’s finals. Predicted qualifiers: Montp el li er. l The five pool winners and three best runners-up progress to the last eight.