Wasps relishing opening Cup defence against Biarritz, says Gatland
Lawrence Dallaglio’s star-studded side will also face double Heineken Cup champions Leicester Tigers and Rugby Calvisano in Pool 1, as the cream of European club rugby set off in pursuit of a place in the Heineken Cup final, which will be staged at Murrayfield on the weekend of May 21/22 next. The 24-team six-nation tournament is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season.
“It is not a bad draw for us and it will be good to start at home,” said London Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland.
“We are looking forward to the tournament and defending our title but we know we are in a tough group. Whoever comes out of the pool with a home quarter-final draw will have set themselves up to go a pretty long way.”
Toulouse, the 1996 and 2003 champions who were denied a treble when London Wasps beat them 27-20 at Twickenham three months ago, launch their challenge against Llanelli Scarlets under the Stradey Park floodlights on Friday, October 22.
“Toulouse are one of the few sides who have proved to be consistently strong over the nine seasons of the Heineken Cup - in fact they are right at the top of the pile,” said Llanelli Scarlets coach Nigel Davies.
“It will be a massive game for us and everyone knows how vital it is to win your home matches in this tournament. This is a game we simply have to win.
“Toulouse are the side you have to beat if you want to put yourselves up there alongside the best in Europe.
“It is a fantastic fixture for us to start our Heineken Cup campaign and it really focuses the mind on what we have to do before that match.”
Munster, who have gone within touching distance of the coveted trophy twice - reaching the final in 2000 and 2002 - kick off their bid at home to NEC Harlequins on Saturday, October 23.
“We have got a great Heineken Cup tradition at Thomond Park and, although Harlequins are sure to be a tough side to crack, hopefully we can keep that tradition going,” said Munster coach Alan Gaffney. “It is great to start at home and hopefully we can give ourselves a lift and get a buzz going for the rest of our Pool games.”
Mark McCall, the new Ulster coach who made 12 Heineken Cup appearances in the midfield for the Irish province, will take his tournament bow as a coach against Cardiff Blues at Ravenhill on Friday, October 22.
“I am delighted we will be at home in front of our Ulster supporters for the opener and I hope we can find some form and get some momentum going in the Celtic League before the Heineken Cup starts,” said McCall.
“The number one priority for the season will be to make the last eight of the Heineken Cup - something we’ve failed to do since we won the title back in 1999.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
