MUNSTER: Coach Tony McGahan Captain Paul O'Connell Player to watch Jean de Villiers HC pedigree: Winners 2006, 2008

NORTHAMPTON: Coach Jim Mallinder Captain Dylan Hartley Player to watch: Shane Geraghty HC pedigree: Winners 2000

PERPIGNAN: Coach Jacques Brunel Captain Nicolas Mas Player to watch: Henry Tuilagi HC pedigree: Runners-up 2003

TREVISO: Coach Franco Smith Captain Benjamin de Jager Player to watch: Andrea Marcato HC pedigree: Pool stages

It would be a brave man who wrote off Munster, Heineken Cup quarter-finalists or better for the last 11 years, including final victories in two of the last three.

But a 30-0 Magners League loss last weekend to their fierce domestic rivals and reigning champions Leinster can hardly have bolstered confidence.

With the scent of continental conquests and foreign foes at Thomond Park though, Munster remain a formidable proposition whose identity is built on this competition.

Perpignan and Northampton are worthy opponents, but it is difficult to imagine either winning in Limerick, so the group will probably hinge on whether the two-time champions can muster a victory in the south of France or the east Midlands.

If not, losing bonus points will probably decide matters. Saints have started brightly domestically, but they face a mighty struggle to emerge from this group.