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Heineken Cup 2009: Reaction

Tuesday 17th June 2008

Clearer picture: The draw is made for HEC 2009

The draw for Heineken Cup 2009 has been made in its new format, and the immediate reaction of coaches and players has made interesting reading.

One of the tournament's favourites, Gloucester, have been pitted against Biarritz, Cardiff and Calvisano in Pool Six of the competition, which kicks-off over the weekend of October 10-12.

And Cherry and Whites boss Dean Ryan has talked up the Cup's credentials with the French group rivals pinpointed as a tough proposition next season.

"We are involved in Europe's elite club competition and as such realised we would face sides of real calibre and quality," Ryan said.

"Biarritz are a hugely powerful and organised side, have a history in the competition that would be the envy of a lot of clubs and contested a final only three seasons ago. Their threat, particularly at home, is an obvious one.

"They have a tremendous pedigree and their home record is as good as anything in the competition. It will be a huge examination for us but one we will relish as we develop as a side.

Meanwhile, Scarlets coach Nigel Davies believes the first round of matches will be crucial in determining the final shape of their Pool including Stade Fran�ais, Ulster and Harlequins.

"I think we have got a well-balanced draw, it's fairly evenly matched and will be a very competitive group," he said.

"I think there are some opportunities for us here but essentially it's down to form and who hits the ground running.

"Any games in this competition are going to be tough - you could say that Stade Fran�ais as a top seed will be very powerful competition particularly at home, but we will look forward to going to Paris for what will be a very exciting fixture.

"It should be interesting for us and it's hard to predict - you can't really tell until the teams are a month or two into the season but all in all we are quite pleased with where we are."

Champions Munster have been drawn alongside two French sides in Clermont Auvergne and Montauban, with Sale Sharks the other outfit making up Pool One.

And England number eight Nick Easter believes it is hard to see past the defending giants making it out of the group as winners.

"Munster are probably the most formidable side of all at home," said Easter, speaking to Sky Sports News.

"The French sides do not travel well and I think Muster will comfortably win their home games and win the Pool."

However, Easter also expects Guinness Premiership holders Wasps to make it through their group, which includes Edinburgh and Magners League winners Leinster.

"Wasps lost up in Edinburgh a few years ago which you would not expect, but I think they will still be happy with that."

Pool Three looks set to be the toughest of the lot with Leicester up against Perpignan, Treviso and the improving Ospreys.

"I think that is quite a hard group," explained Easter.

"Treviso aside, I was quite surprised that Ospreys were put in tier three as they were fantastic last year.

"This is probably one of the strongest groups and all three sides are going to battle going down to Perpignan, but I think I favour the Ospreys coming out on top."

Easter's own club Harlequins face a very tough group too having been drawn with Stade Fran�ais, Llanelli Scarlets and Ulster.

"This is going to be a real test of character - going up to Ravenhill in the middle of winter with the rain and the wind," said Easter.

"We know how good Stade Fran�ais are as we were beaten by them a couple of times last season.

Elsewhere, Edinburgh boss Andy Robinson took time out from Scotland duty in Argentina to comment on his side's draw against daunting, but in his opinion, irresistible opposition.

"We are pleased with the group. We will be able to test ourselves against the champions of England, London Wasps and the Magners League champions, Leinster," he said.

"We look forward to welcoming back both teams to Murrayfield and having Castres in the Pool will be new territory. Overall it is a strong Heineken Cup Pool for Edinburgh and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Pool Five is topped by last year's finalists Toulouse followed by European Challenge Cup winners Bath, the Dragons and Scottish side Glasgow.

"Well I think it will be between Toulouse and Bath. Toulouse were disappointing last year and will want to make up for that," Easter continued.

"Bath have lost some key players with Steve Borthwick and Olly Barkley leaving. (They are) both big leaders for Bath and I am not sure they will be the same team without them so I will back Toulouse to win that group."