truebluefan

Despite arriving in this season's Heineken Cup as holders of the trophy, Wasps face a fiendishly-difficult group.
Alongside them in Pool Five are 2006 Heineken Cup winners Munster, star-studded French challengers Clermont Auvergne and Wales' most successful European team Llanelli Scarlets.

Only one side is likely to progress, immediately cranking up the pressure on Wasps for tomorrow's opener against Munster at Coventry City's 32,000-capacity Ricoh Arena.

No English club has ever lifted the Heineken Cup three times - Wasps and Leicester have each won it twice - but just emerging from their pool represents a huge challenge.

Wasps rugby director McGeechan said: ``All four teams in the group could see themselves as winners, so we have six cup finals straightaway.

``Munster are one of the top European sides as far as playing record goes.

``Clermont Auvergne were probably the French team of last season, even though they lost in the final minute of the (Top 14) final.

``You are talking about international-style intensity every time you play them.''

Munster will arrive in the midlands captained by fly-half Ronan O'Gara, who takes over leadership duties from back injury victim Paul O'Connell.

Leicester, meanwhile, head the other way for a Dublin appointment with Leinster - as Argentina's World Cup coach Marcelo Loffreda prepares to take charge of the Tigers.

Coach Richard Cockerill, Loffreda's number two, will fully hand over the reins after tomorrow's Pool Six encounter - having steered Tigers through early domestic flurries this term.

The former England hooker believes Leicester are in good shape for the challenge awaiting them against Brian O'Driscoll and company.

Cockerill said: ``Leinster have got quality throughout their team, and they will be looking to get Irish rugby back on the rails.

``But with this group of players, if we get it right, then we can go anywhere and win.

``Munster had never lost in Limerick in the Heineken Cup, and we went there and beat them last season.

``We have got the confidence; we just need to put the performance together.''

Harlequins face an even tougher assignment than Leicester, travelling to Paris where they meet tournament favourites Stade Francais tomorrow. But London Irish should prove too strong for Madejski Stadium visitors Treviso.

Irish field England World Cup players Mike Catt and Peter Richards in the half-back positions, with Australian signing Peter Hewat starting at full-back and Delon Armitage at outside centre.

Gloucester will hope for another try-scoring eruption when they let Lesley Vainikolo loose on the Heineken Cup tonight.

The former Bradford Bulls rugby league star has made a timely recovery from neck trouble to make his first start since late September as Gloucester launch their European campaign against Ulster in Belfast.

Vainikolo said: ``The Heineken Cup is one of the reasons why I am at Gloucester - I cannot wait for it.

``I am feeling good - the medics have done their stuff - and now I just want to get back on to the field and get the ball in my hands.

``I have missed not being around the boys. But the atmosphere is great, and we are looking forward to the game.

``The Heineken Cup is a massive competition; Ravenhill in Belfast has a fantastic reputation, and it will be a huge experience.''

Vainikolo will be joined in the Gloucester back division by four England internationals - Iain Balshaw, James Simpson-Daniel, Mike Tindall and Anthony Allen - but club captain Marco Bortolami starts his comeback from a shoulder injury on the bench.

In other Heineken Cup action tonight, Newport Gwent Dragons visit Perpignan - while strongly-fancied Welsh side Ospreys host Bourgoin tomorrow. Edinburgh are also at home to Toulouse, and Biarritz visit Viadana.