POOL FOUR
CASTRES (11TH) LEICESTER (6TH) MUNSTER (2ND) RACING 92 (8TH)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Leicester and Munster are two of the heavyweight teams in the history of European competition, but both have been in transition. The Tigers have a semblance of stability after last season’s upheaval and four successive wins suggest they are on the rise again, aided by the belated availability of Matt Toomua and the addition of Jonny May’s finishing. Munster’s early results are encouraging but they are in flux. Castres are likely to be no more than dangerous outsiders, but Racing — beaten finalists in 2016 — have the class to finish top.
PLAYER TO WATCH PAT LAMBIE (Racing, above)
The gifted playmaker was recruited to fill a void left by Johan Goosen. Once seen as the answer to south Africa’s prayers at no 10 before heading overseas.
BEST ATMOSPHERE
Thomond Park, for its stirring
Stand Up and Fight anthem and that banner: ‘Irish by birth, Munster by the grace of God.’