"I think every coach, manager and chief executive would say that there are no easy groups in the Heineken Cup, but in saying that I think most groups have come out far more open than in recent years. "
David Young Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby:
There is no 'Pool of Death', but the competition in each Pool is strong, with most teams thinking they have got a chance.
"In recent years, the tougher groups have knocked-out some of the bigger names. The openness of the Pools seems to be down to the new seeding system and we've got to make sure we do well this season to move up the rankings. We did fear the worst being seeded third but I think this season's draw has given us a chance.
"It is not the hardest group that we have had, although Biarritz is never an easy place to go and get a result. Gloucester is one of the biggest fortresses in English rugby and Calvisano is also a difficult place to go to. We have really tough away games but the Heineken Cup is no different this year than previous years. You have got to win your home games and try to get something on the road.
"We took a big step last season to reach the quarter-finals and, with all due respect to the teams we played, I think the teams we have this season are more difficult to beat."
