Monday 10 October 2016 20:09, UK
For the second successive year Exeter Chiefs, Clermont Auvergne and Bordeaux-Begles have been paired together, with PRO12 pacesetters Ulster completing a highly-competitive Pool 5.
The Chiefs qualified for the knockout stages for the first time last season after a dramatic final round of fixtures where Bordeaux won at Clermont, and they suffered late heartbreak in the quarter-finals against Wasps.
Clermont have made an impressive start to the Top 14 and sit top with six wins from eight games, Bordeaux are on a three-game winning streak, while Ulster lead the PRO12 despite their loss at Connacht last weekend.
Champions Cup record: P19 W7 D0 L12
Best finish: Quarter-finals (2015-16)
What's hot: The Chiefs' driving maul remains a potent weapon while Gareth Steenson is a metronomic goal-kicker. They are well-coached by Rob Baxter and a number of players are benefiting from exposure to international rugby.
What's not: Exeter sometimes struggle to close out games and they have been punished for that lack of killer instinct in last season's quarter-finals against Wasps. It has been more of the same this campaign, with Wasps and Northampton both coming from behind to beat the Chiefs.
What's changed: Big things are expected of Ollie Devoto following his move from Bath to Sandy Park while Australian trio Dave Dennis, Greg Holmes and Lachlan Turner have quickly found their feet.
One to watch: Henry Slade missed a large chunk of last season due to injury and the versatile back will be out to catch Eddie Jones' eye.
Champions Cup record: P91 W55 D1 L35
Best finish: Runners-up (2012-13, 2014-15)
What's hot: Clermont are playing some beautiful rugby, with Noa Nakaitaci in blistering form. They possess four top-level locks and back rows, as well as talented backs such as Remi Lamerat, Wesley Fofana and Nick Abendanon.
What's not: It's the same old story with Clermont. They have started the season on fire but will it last? There is a feeling that it is now or never for this team when it comes to the Champions Cup.
What's changed: Lamerat has replaced Jonathan Davies in midfield with Wallaby Sitaleki Timani arriving from Montpellier. Jamie Cudmore left for Oyonnax after 11 years in the Auvergne and is taking legal action against the club, claiming medical negligence.
One to watch: Morgan Parra was responsible for Clermont failing to progress from last season's pool stages. He has looked more controlled and is no longer rolling around looking for Oscars. Also keep an eye out for second-choice fly-half Patricio Fernandez.
Champions Cup record: P129 W64 D3 L62
Best finish: Winners (1998-99)
What's hot: Charles Piutau's signing has given Ulster added X-factor in attack. Jared Payne is in sparkling form, be it at full-back or centre, while Paddy Jackson gained bags of experience from starting at 10 for Ireland in last summer's Test series in South Africa.
What's not: They may boast a star-studded backline but there are question marks over whether Ulster's forwards will be able to provide front-foot ball. Springboks flanker Marcell Coetzee could miss the entire pool stages.
What's changed: With a full pre-season under his belt Les Kiss' influence is apparent in Ulster's performances. They dominate possession, make an average of 10 line breaks per game, are second in the offload charts and despite a poor showing against Connacht last weekend, they still boast the best defence in the PRO12.
One to watch: There has been much furore over Ruan Pienaar's departure from Ravenhill after the IRFU blocked a contract extension. The talismanic scrum-half will be hell-bent on signing off with some silverware.
Champions Cup record: P14 W6 D1 L7
Best finish: Pool stages
What's hot: Bordeaux possess a quality goal-kicker in Ian Madigan while Loann Goujon leads the way in the back row.
What's not: Bordeaux remain relatively inexperienced in the Champions Cup and qualified last season for the first time in 16 years. They may not reach the knockout stages but as they showed last season, they will have a say in who does.
What's changed: Madigan and former England lock Tom Palmer have moved to Bordeaux with Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu returning to Australia after a short stint in France.
One to watch: Adam Ashley-Cooper has put the controversy surrounding his return from the Rugby Championship behind him and is on fire.
