BIARRITZ: Coach Jack Issac Captain Jerome Thion Player to watch Imanol Harinordoquy
HC pedigree: Runners-up 2006

GLOUCESTER: Coach Bryan Redpath Captain Mike Tindall Player to watch: Nicky Robinson HC pedigree: Semi-finals 2001

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS: Coach Paul Turner Captain Tom Willis Key player: Tom Willis HC pedigree: Pool stages

GLASGOW: Coach Sean Lineen Captain Alastair Kellock Key player: Dan Parks HC pedigree: Quarter-final play-off 1998

The only group with no outstanding contenders for the title, given the recent tribulations of Biarritz and Gloucester, and therefore the most open of the six.

The Basques are still formidable at home but offer hope to all three of their hosts with their frailty on foreign shores.

On paper Gloucester should fancy their chances, but confidence is fragile after a wobbly start to the season.

The Dragons are improving despite being the paupers of the Welsh regions, while Glasgow - winners in Toulouse last season - are making optimistic noises.

If they are serious about being "more than bit-part players" as coach Sean Lineen says, a group where the winners may lose a couple of games offers possibilities.