Old opponents, new challenge for Saracens

On the face of it that would mean two sides who know each other pretty well, but both have recruited strongly over the summer and de Kock believes his side will have a few surprised for the Scots.

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"Three times last year we came up against Glasgow so it will be another tough outing I am sure, after two games separated by a couple of points and one draw," said the Saracens skipper.

"We are still waiting on All Black lock Chris Jack, he will miss the opening games of the Heinken Cup, but it is great to have these players coming in from the World Cup, making a difference and just upping the level to keep everyone on their toes.

"We like to think we are growing as a team, we have come a long way and hopefully the way things are going this season we have had a decent start and we really want to keep that going.

"We are really trying to work on our consistency and the guys have really stepped up, worked on their skills and worked on keeping the ball.

"They will be massive games against Biarritz. It is my first season in the Heineken Cup and I really do not know what to expect from them, but all the talk says they are one of the toughest teams in the competition.

"You would like to think they are the strongest side in the pool so if you can knock them off then you are likely to get a play-off place.

"Viadana will be tough in Italy so we will have to on top of their game. This is another step up from the Challenge Cup last year, we cannot make mistakes or we will be punished by the likes of Biarritz, Glasgow and Viadana.

"We were disappointed to go out in the semi-finals last season, but hopefully the experience will stand us in good stead."