The Heineken Cup will boast at least 10 new internationals when the tournament resumes after the autumn internationals.
Making the step up onto the international stage last weekend were Leicester Tigers' scrum half Harry Ellis for England in their win over South Africa, while Ulster wing Tommy Bowe was a try-scorer on his Irish debut against the USA Eagles.
Munster flanker Denis Leamy followed the example set by London Wasps' flanker Jonny O'Connor against the Springboks a week earlier by winning his first cap against the Eagles.
While Edinburgh Rugby's Alastair Kellock packed down in the second row against Australia, Gloucester's Andy Hazell picked up his first cap in the victory romp over Canada.
Dragons lock Luke Charteris made his international bow as a replacement against the Springboks before starting his first Test against Romania - all before starting a match for the regional side.
Ryan Jones (Ospreys) is the only other Welsh newcomer, starting against South Africa and coming on as a replacement against the All Blacks, while the Italians blooded the Rugby Calvisano duo of centre Matteo Pratichetti and wing Ludovico Nitoglia against the All Blacks.
But Benetton Treviso's Test three-quarter Denis Dallan will miss the rest of the Heineken Cup tournament after rupturing an Achilles tendon in Italy's match against Canada. He is joint top of this season's try scoring list with three.
