Pool D: Movers and shakers

Colomiers

Coaches: Henri Auriol and JeanPhilippe Cariat.

Captain: Fabien Galthie.

European Cup record: Didn't qualify, didn't qualify, didn't qualify (Shield Winners), finalists. Pl 9 W 6 D 0 L 3.

How they qualified: Fifth ranked French qualifiers, via quarter-finals of French championship.

Key man: Marc del Maso is main hard-yardage man up front but it is Fabien Galthie, currently the hero of French rugby (a la Woodie here), who runs the show. Ominously for opponents, Galthie is in prime form.

Outlook: Proud, small-town club with proven Euro track record - unbeaten at home but poor away form. No one comes back more motivated than beaten finalists and key men are all right this time. Potential group winners.

Munster

Coach: Declan Kidney.

Captain: Mick Galwey.

European Cup record: Pool stages, pool stages, pool stages, quarter-finalists. Pl 19 W 9 D 1 L 9.

How they qualified: Irish interpro champions.

Key men: Keith Wood, with the help of two other Lions and an exWallaby in tight five, could pick his moments and flourish without excessive responsibilities. Anthony Foley could be the main man while the time is now for Ronan O'Gara.

Outlook: Form side of Irish interprovincials, with strength in depth up front and unbeaten Euro record at Thomond. But brute of a draw offers no easy touches and less chance of progress as runnersup. This is compounded by lack of pace out wide and traditionally poor away form.

Pontypridd

Coach: Richie Collins.

Captain: Paul John.

European Cup record: Pool stages, pool stages, play-offs, quarter-finalists. Pl 20 W 9 D 1 L 10.

How they qualified: Runners-up in Welsh League.

Key men: Lee Jarvis has inherited Neil Jenkins's mantle as goal-kicker and strategist behind ferocious pack and Brett Davey hits the line regularly.

Outlook: Despite losing Neil Jenkins, Dafydd James and Martin Williams, Ponty have, typically, thrived on strong community spirit to lead Welsh/Scottish League. Could be down to others missing World Cup players - though Ponty have tough Tongan front-rowers of their own - and progress seems a lot to ask.

Saracens

Coach: Alan Zondagh.

Captain: Francois Pienaar.

European Cup record: Didn't participate, didn't qualify, didn't qualify, didn't participate.

How they qualified: Third in English league.

Key men: Francois Pienaar, having one last hurrah, and Thierry Lacroix. The void left by Lynagh remains unfilled, and the easygoing TV personality was a moody, in-and-out presence for Harlequins last season.

Outlook: Euro inexperience is made up for by their 14 internationals' vast collective experience. Ultra professional, proven trophy winners with high standards on and off the pitch. May, at a pinch, be a little past their best and have low chances of qualification from this group.