Saturday 14 November 2015 09:19, UK
The 'Pool of Death' sees four former winners collide, including four-in-a-row chasing Toulon. Can anyone stop the French heavyweights?
Teams: Bath, Toulon, Leinster, Wasps
Champions Cup record: P79 W47 D1 L31
Best finish: Winners (1998)
What's hot: Bath have an embarrassment of riches in their backline. England trio Jonathan Joseph, George Ford and Anthony Watson are all proven match-winners.
What's not: The Sam Burgess saga is thankfully over and Mike Ford has acted swiftly to make sure they are not left short in the back-row by signing Scotland international David Denton from Edinburgh.
What's changed: Burgess has gone back to rugby league and Paul James has returned to Wales, with international duo Niko Matawalu and Rhys Priestland moving to the Rec.
Key player: George Ford
Champions Cup record: P34 W28 D0 L6
Best finish: Winners (2013, 2014, 2015)
What's hot: Toulon possess international quality in every department, with Quade Cooper and Ma'a Nonu adding further depth to an already frightening back line.
What's not: Toulon have lost two leaders in Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha, while Paul O'Connell faces a lengthy spell on the treatment table.
What's changed: A plethora of stars such Nonu, Cooper, Duane Vermeulen and Samu Manoa have moved to the south of France, with Botha, Williams and Carl Hayman all retiring and Nicolas Sanchez joining Argentina's new Super Rugby side.
Key player: Quade Cooper
Champions Cup record: P136 W91 D4 L41
Best finish: Winners (2009, 2011, 2012)
What's hot: Isa Nacewa has hit the ground running on his return to the Irish capital and Noel Reid's form gives Leinster added options in midfield.
What's not: Leinster haven't been getting the best out of their talented back line. Their powers of recovery will also be tested in December where they face a six-day turnaround between their back-to-back fixtures with Toulon.
What's changed: Leo Cullen has replaced Matt O'Connor as head coach while Sexton and Nacewa are back for their second spells at the province. Gordon D'Arcy, Shane Jennings and Kevin McLaughlin have hung up their boots, with Jimmy Gopperth switching to pool rivals Wasps.
Key player: Johnny Sexton
Champions Cup record: P85 W54 D2 L29
Best finish: Winners (2004, 2007)
What's hot: Elliot Daly is being tipped for an England call-up, George Smith has seamlessly fitted into the back-row, and Charles Piutau, Frank Halai and Christian Wade form a highly dangerous back three.
What's not: Wasps face a difficult start, travelling to Leinster on Saturday before Toulon visit the Ricoh in round two. Two defeats and they're likely to be out of contention.
What's changed: Wasps have done some decent business over the summer, bringing in international trio Piutau, Smith and Halai. Jimmy Gopperth replaces retired fly-half Andy Goode.
Key player: Elliot Daly
