The 2012/13 European rugby season kicks-off with what promises to be another feisty Anglo-French Amlin Challenge Cup encounter between Mont-de-Marsan and Gloucester Rugby.
These teams have had vastly contrasting fortunes in their domestic league so far this season but European rugby is a great leveller.
Gloucester, who won the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2006, have lost just one of their opening six games and include England veteran Mike Tindall as well as Charlie Sharples, who is seeking his 40th try for the club.
However the Cherry & Whites are prone to blowing hot and cold in Europe, having failed to progress to the knock-out stages for the past two years.
It is almost 10 years since Mont-de-Marsan registered their last European success, against Petrarca Padova in January 2003, and have yet to win in the Top 14 this year.
But they will be buoyed at having picked up their first point of the campaign, against Stade Francais Paris last Saturday, and have the vast experience of former Scotland international Scott Murray to help prepare for the challenge of Gloucester at Stade Guy Boniface.
