Pool Three
Saracens
Without sounding too partisan, I have absolutely no idea how Saracens could do anything other than win this pool. I just see the class they have in that squad stomping through. Maro Itoje and Mako and Billy Vunipola will boss anyone at the moment, and they have plenty of support staff up front.
Then you have
Alex Goode – rugby’s Peter Pan, dancing and gliding around the park, and looking ageless.
Liam Williams may have been one of the best signings I have seen in the Gallagher Premiership – he does everything in the backfield – and the control of Owen Farrell and Richard Wigglesworth at No9 and No10 is as good as it gets.
The only way I can see these guys getting into problems is if they pick up a load of injuries playing for England in November.
If they stay fit, Saracens are marching on the
Toon in May to St James’ Park.
Glasgow Warriors The Scots would, perhaps, be the only side in the pool with the power to pose a counterargument to Saracens. They have real pedigree behind the scrum and have suffered some near-misses in recent years at the back end of the tournament. But Stuart Hogg likely to be missing until after Christmas is a hammer blow, and lots will be expected of Alex Dunbar and Huw Jones to own the midfield gain line.
Lyon They enter the fray with the “unknown” tag from the Top 14. My argument against Lyon is if La Rochelle, who were truly spectacular at times last year, could not navigate their way to the final rounds then you have to offer little hope to Lyon, who are third in France.
Cardiff Blues
They will need their back row to own the breakdowns in the shape of Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins and Nick Williams. These three would back themselves against anyone and a demolition of Munster in September will fill them with confidence. They also have some serious ball skills behind the scrum, with Willis Halaholo, Rey Lee-lo, and Gareth Anscombe. Tomos Williams at No9, will take anyone on.