It was only last year that Cardiff failed to make the knockout stages and a repeat of that this year will not please the Arms Park masses.
But if early-season form continues, Cardiff have every chance of progressing from Pool 6 – a real contender for the honour of ‘Group of death’.
Heineken Cup winners in 1999, Ulster, the 2000 champions Northampton, and the current French champions Biarritz Olympique will all have to be tackled for Cardiff to move into the quarter-finals.
But these sides will have their own reservations about playing Cardiff. In Rhys Williams, Craig Morgan, Iestyn Harris and Jamie Robinson, the Blue and Blacks have a potent enough back-line to unlock any defence.
British Lions and Wales international flanker Martyn Williams is club captain, and his ball-stealing skills will be important for driving Cardiff forward.
Despite losing Wales veteran Rob Howley, Cardiff are strong at scrum-half, with Ryan Powell and Richard Smith in good form and vying for the No 9 jersey.
Former Wales skipper Dai Young has taken over the head coach role this season, and with four wins on the bounce – his influence is getting results. The side is weak up front and the 50-times capped Young will appear at prop in some of the Cup games.
