Amlin Challenge Cup Preview

Editor

With the Amlin Challenge Cup set to kick-off on Thursday, we preview this year's tournament.

With the Amlin Challenge Cup set to kick-off on Thursday, we preview this year's tournament pool-by-pool.

Neither of last year's finalists – Cardiff Blues and Toulon – will start the tournament as both are aiming for higher honours in the Heineken Cup.

That said, with three Heineken teams set to join the tournament at the quarter-final stage, it's not unlikely that we'll see both of those teams have another tilt at the title.

Stade Français must be considered as the stand-out favourites to go all the way.

The bookies will also give you pretty good odds on Gloucester and Harlequins. All three should emerge from their respective groups relatively easily while Sale and Brive will both fancy their chances of getting out of Pool Two.

Pool Three looks set to be the most competitive with Montpellier and Newcastle both capable of making the play-offs.

Click on the each of the pools below to get the full preview.

Pool One:
Harlequins
Connacht
Bayonne
Cavalieri Prato

Pool Two:
Sale Sharks
Brive
Petrarca
Dulciora El Salvador

Pool Three:
Montpellier
Newcastle Falcons
Exeter Chiefs
Bourgoin

Pool Four:
Bucharest Oaks
Crociati Rugby
Leeds Carnegie
Stade Français

Pool Five:
Agen
Rovigo
Gloucester
La Rochelle