Pool Six

Glasgow Caledonians

Leicester

Pau

Pontypridd

Formguide: Callies have been the better of the Scots this season, and are joint leaders of the Welsh/Scottish League after ending Cardiff's unbeaten start last Friday. Leicester lost leadership in England with a surprise draw at Sale but remain that country's standard-bearers while Pau have recruited heavily with the captures of dal Maso, Al Charron and Philippe Carbonneau but have yet to gel, losing at home to Begles/Bordeaux on the opening day in France. Ponty's form has been undistinguished, suggesting they'll be the weakest of the Welsh entrants.

Star turn: Geordan Murphy. A biased choice undoubtedly, but he's getting classier by the season and whether at wing, or his more favoured full-back, adds far more to Leicester's potency out wide than the comparatively pedestrian Tim Stimpson. Loyalty to the latter doesn't bode well though otherwise Murphy has the poise and balance to nail down the Irish number 15 jersey.

Forecast: One of those typical European Cup groups where local passions may contribute to a predominance of home wins. The second round meeting of Pau and Ponty, remembering separate past Euro misdemeanours, could be x-rated stuff. Leicester must be favourites but have disappointed in Europe before and were Pau to gel they could be the surprise packages, with Glasgow's good home form also upsetting the expected order.