Ten things you may not know about the Cup

1It is too late for Martyn Williams (right), but the place-kicking shoot-out will be left up to the experts this season. If matters are level after extra-time, three players will be nominated from each team to take three kicks at goal from along the 22, with sudden death to follow – still using only the three nominated men who must be on the field after extra-time.

2The newly-branded Amlin Challenge Cup has received an injection of profile with the five pool winners joined in the quarter-finals by the third, fourth and fifth-place Heineken Cup pool runners-up. The best four Challenge Cup pool winners get home advantage.

3Not that Connacht would have the financial assistance to make any lasting imprint, but should Leinster, Munster or Ulster win the tournament access will be granted for the western province come next season, as the winners "earn their nation an additional place in the tournament".

4As a direct result of "Bloodgate" (right), 23-man squads will appear for the first time this weekend with two props on the bench. If all frontrowers are used and there is another frontrow injury, teams must play on with 14 men. No more knowing winks to the sideline so.

5Tallest man in European rugby? Leinster lock Devon Toner at 6ft 11in, or 2.1 metres. Now all he has to do is find a way past Nathan Hines, Mal O'Kelly and Leo Cullen.

6All-time highest point scorer? Ronan O'Gara (1,040). Most capped is John Hayes with 87 appearances, although O'Gara is just four shy and Hayes will not be playing the opening two rounds.

7Top try scorer? Dafydd James with 29, although Brian O'Driscoll (25) and Vincent Clerc (28) have him in their sights. Shane Horgan (24) and Geordan Murphy (22) are a hot streak away.

8Leo Cullen and Paul O'Connell are attempting to join an elite crew of captains this season. Only Fabien Pelous (Toulouse 2003 '05), Martin Johnson (Leicester Tigers 2001 '02) and Lawrence Dallaglio (Wasps 2004 '07) have lifted the trophy on twice.

9Mal O'Kelly played in Leinster's first Heineken Cup match in Milan on November 1st, 1995, but so did the man who will referee Sunday's Leicester Tigers versus Ospreys encounter at Welford Road. An international scrumhalf in a former life, Alain Rolland has refereed 55 European games, including the 2004 final.

10Munster may be struggling and Leinster may be the defending champions, but in the current pecking order Munster's record leaves them top of the pile.

ERC European rankings (11 points for winning tournament, nine for runners-up, seven for reaching the semi-final, five for quarter-final)

1. Munster 33

2. Leicester Tigers 26

3. Leinster 24

4. Toulouse 21

5. Bath 20

6. Biarritz 20

7. London Wasps 19

8. Cardiff Blues 16