POOL ONE

La Rochelle: Coached by the gritty Patrice Callazo and the extrovert Xavier Garbajosa, La Rochelle could be the surprise package if they can display last season’s attacking form which saw them head the Top 14 before bowing out in the semi-final play-offs. All Black Victor Vito,

below, was voted the T14 player of the season and is augmented this season by the arrival of fellow Kiwis Tawere Kerr-Barlow and the experienced Rene Ranger. Wasps: The stardust has deserted Dai Young’s team at present – even Mr Consistency himself Jimmy Gopperth hasn’t been at his very best – although in partial mitigation they have been struggling with a pile of injuries. Can still put a star-studded team on the pitch most weekends and when they get hot Wasps can pile the points up, but they badly need to rediscover their mojo at the Ricoh. Harlequins: Struck an important blow by defeating Wasps at the Ricoh in the league last month, a victory which both put a dent in Wasps’ excellent home record and bolstered their own confidence on the road. Although Quins have won the European Challenge Cup on three occasions the senior competition has not proved a happy hunting ground and older campaigners such as Chris Robshaw and Jamie Roberts will be keen to rectify that. Ulster: Were quick out of the blocks in the PRO14 although that defeat at Zebre was a timely reality check. Have two aces in the pack in Charles Piutau and Christian Lealiifano that will give them an extra attacking dimension if their pack can secure enough ball. Normally strong at home and on that basis alone should be in the mix. Verdict: La Rochelle will want to make a splash on debut and they have the firepower to take what should be a very entertaining, free-running and unpredictable pool. Scarcely a cigarette paper separates all four teams and the second placed team might therefore struggle to secure a best runner up spot. Predicted standings: 1 La Rochelle (Q); 2 Harlequins; 3 Ulster; 4 Wasps