Ulster take their place in Pool 5 eager to progress further than last year’s quarter-final while Rob Penney’s Munster have, on paper at least, a very manageable task in Pool 6.
Pool 5
Mark Anscombe’s men will face the Leicester Tigers, Montpellier and the ever improving Treviso in a group that could well be the closest of the lot.
Top Dog – Ulster
It's difficult to say with any certainty, but with little between Ulster, Leicester and Montpellier, the men from Ravenhill may just avail of more European experience at the knock-out stages as Montpellier are in just their second season at this level and Leicester have not gone past the last eight since reaching the final in 2009.
While Fabien Galthie has assembled a strong squad and bigger and better things are expected of the Tigers, a fully-fit Ulster squad is a match for any side. Injuries played a part in last year’s disappointing exit against Sarries, as well as a sudden loss of form, but with Stephen Ferris and Ruan Pienaar signed up and the younger players staking a claim, they should have just enough to top the group, though the opening fixture against the Tigers will be key.
Whipping Boys – Treviso
Again in this pool, the term whipping boys may be inappropriate. The Italian side have been making steady progress over the past two seasons. Last season in Europe they ran Toulouse close, Leicester to within a point and defeated the Ospreys and have already turned over Munster in the Rabo.
They won’t be fighting to make it out of the group, but possibly expect one big result at home and they could deprive a team of precious bonus points on their travels.
Schmidt Hot – Jared Payne
He doesn’t qualify for Ireland under the residency rule until next year, but he indicated earlier in the year that donning the green jersey was a factor in signing a three-year deal. One of Ulster’s most consistent performers, he has a touch of the Isa Nacewa’s about him with his versatility, his importance when the internationals are away and his level of performance in the big games. Payne would be a welcome addition to Joe Schmidt’s squad for 2014.
A key member of the Ulster squad
Honourable mention for Leicester’s Niall Morris, who will be hoping to catch the eye across the pond.
Most likely headline
No Payne, no glory as Ulster fall short
Possible rugby autobiography
Holding Court (Tom Court)
Pool 6
Munster will be joined by Edinburgh, Nigel Davies' Gloucester and Perpignan.
Top Dogs – Munster
While this group is expected to be tight, few would be lumping their life savings on any team going on to lift the trophy in May. Yes, Munster have lost Ronan O’Gara, but they still look the best bet of the four teams and will go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting win over Leinster in the Rabo.
Last year the word transition was used to death – we’ll use it just the once, we promise – but Rob Penney has begun to put his stamp on this team, no easy feat with the turnover in players.
The likes of CJ Stander, Andrew Conway and James Cronin are expected to make big inroads this season to complement young guns like O’Mahony, Murray and Zebo. Needless to say, Paul O’Connell will have a huge influence on the season and his fitness will be crucial, especially in the knock-out stages should they make it that far.
Clermont and Toulon away aside, Munster would be more than confident of taking on all challengers, as Clermont themselves nearly found out dearly last year.
Whipping Boys – Edinburgh
The shining example of why the French and English sides have such a bee in their bonnet over Rabo qualification for the Heineken Cup. In the league they have lost 32 of their last 49 games, while they lost all six pool games last year, not even registering a score in the first two.
Don't expect Murrayfield to be packed to the rafters at any stage
Alan Solomons has added a few new faces and Edinburgh have talented players in Ross Ford, David Denton and Greig Laidlaw. Unfortunately from Edinburgh’s point of view, from the evidence of the past 12 months, they just don’t have sufficient quality in the squad to compete for a place in the last eight.
Schmidt Hot – David Kilcoyne
Eighteen months ago he had yet to start a game for Munster and this time last year he was uncapped, so it’s fair to say his progress has been rapid. The 24 year-old loosehead prop has been nothing short of a revelation and after making his debut during the Autumn internationals, he appeared in four of the five Six Nations encounters off the bench.
Dynamic in the loose and well capable of holding his own in the scrum, he will give Cian Healy real competition for the number one jersey if he continues in the same vein of form.
Most likely headline
Flight of the Earls – winger seals Munster’s qualification with scoring spree
Hook, line and stinker as Perpignan come a cropper in front of the posts
Possible rugby autobiography
Second Degree Burns – Why I turned my back on rugby for college (Freddie Burns)
Stand Up And Fight (CJ Stander)
