Edinburgh and Glasgow Heineken Pools

What are people's thoughts on the Scottish teams chances in the Heineken this year?

I have to say from an Edinburgh perspective I was looking for a bit of luck to give us a real chance to kick on after this year, but unfortunately that hasn't happened! Saracans were probably the top team in the 3rd seeds and Racing are one of the best from the 4th seeds too. Munster aren't the force they used to be, but they are still Munster and will be extremely tough to beat away from home.

To qualify I think we'd have to beat Racing twice, win all our home games and beat Munster of Sarries away. I can see us doing the first two, but will really struggle to win away at Munster or Sarries.

On the plus side though - we're pool 1 so will be the first on the highlights programmes, meaning we don't have to wait too long to be disappointed that sky or ITV don't show any of our highlights!

On to Glasgow and I think they stand a decent chance in that group. All the teams are evenly matched and, if they can get past their losing streak with Ulster (which Edinburgh now have too) I can see them doing well from that. Unfortunately I don't personally see them winning the group or getting enough points as a best place 2nd place.

So for both teams I think this year's draw might prove too tough, but here's hoping at least one team can make it into the Amlin!

Pool 1
Munster
Edinburgh
Saracens
Racing Metro

Pool 4
Northampton Saints
Ulster Rugby
Glasgow Rugby
Castres Olympique

Whatever happens though - absolutely cannot wait for all the games!!!!

I reckon we (Edinburgh) should have a reasonable chance in pool 1.

Munster are the weakest I have ever seen them, Sarries will be a stiff test but no more so than London Irish were this year and we know what RM bring to the table.

No chickens will be count but if we can get through last years group and qualify as the top team I can't see why we can't this year. Especially with the likes of Nel, Rees and other joining the fray,

I think the target should be to win or at least come 2nd.

I wouldn't say that the draw has particularly favoured (nor for that matter being particularly bad for) either club - both should have quarter final as a minimum target after the level of investment that has gone on. Win all home games and see if you can pinch one, preferably two away matches

Radge - I wouldn't say Saracans were the equivalent of LI - LI were fairly ordinary last year whereas Sarries are one of the top teams in the AP.

When you consider Munster will be better than Cardiff were, Sarries better than LI and Racing will have a massive chip on their shoulder after we beat them twice, I think this is a much harder group.

Plus, teams won't be caught out by surprise by us this year!

I agree RDW - Saracens is going to be a hell of a lot harder than the dross London Irish served up in the HC this season.

Munster and Sarries IMO are similar teams and are a wee bit "stodgy". Under that premise I think Edinburgh can play a more open game and wait for the play to break up a bit and win in the 2nd half.

I agree whilst Sarries will be a stronger challenege than LI, its worth bearing in mind that the Exiles were doing pretty well in the AP untill Edinburgh rolled them in the HC opener.

Munster as I said may be better than the out of sorts Cardiff we saw this year but I'm happier to face them now than say a couple of seasons ago. They are as I said the weakest I have ever seen. RM have been beaten before home and away and I see no reason why we can't repeat that this year.

The away games to London and Cork will be the deciding factors in this one for me.

I'm already planning a trip to the Munster game - would love to go to a game at Thomond!

It could be better (why do we never get Italian teams in our group?). Even though the Munsters are perhaps past their very best, I think they will top the group. A lot will depend on what Nel etc bring to the party but I am not massively hopeful of even getting a good enough finish for the Amlin

All the groups are tough. Avoiding Leinster and Clermont is good news, but obviously Munster, Sarries, Saints and Ulster will be tough opposition.

Both sides have a chance here, they'll just have to well and be extremely consistent.

The key for Edinburgh will be imposing their open game plan on Sarries and Munster, both of whom will kick the leather off the ball and keep it tight.

Ruggerradge hopefully you'll be surprised. If Saracens dont kick everything that moves they can actually attack.

Also trust me Saracens pose a bigger threat than London Irish. Of course I am biased but you only need to look at the last 3 years.

Good to be bullish but it's a tough group for all involved.

Depends which Edinburgh turns up. The pro12 or HC one. If it's the HC one they can top the pool.

Beshocked - hopefully I'll be able to welcome you and also the Scotsmen to Thomond this year.

I have to say though from a Munster point of view Im happy with the draw. Thats not a slight on your teams just I was dreading getting:

Clermont or Toulon or Harlequins or Tigers in Tier 2: Edinburgh was a miracle draw to get when you consider the other teams.

In Tier 3 I really wanted us to get Sale Sharks but overall its ok. We could have ended up with Ospreys (and therefore also got Exeter Chiefs) so I am happy enough to take on Sarries if it means getting the flaky Racing Metro instead.

I also think that Saracens slightly shoot themselves in the foot with the games at Wembley as it dilutes the home support. If they do that again, every Irish expat in London will turn up to watch Munster.

So its tight enough but I am thrilled when I consider the alternatives.

Stag- I'm definitely planning a trip to the Munster game!

Have always wanted to go to Thomond and it'll be incredible for a HK game.

My brother lives in London too so gonna shotgun his couch for the Sarries game!

Thormond would be nice but getting a free pass for more Rugby from the Mrs after boking my trip to Paris for the 6N and twickers looking like a certainty too in the 6N I'll have a lot of flowers, choccies and other delights to buy for a free pass to the south of Ireland!

Dude - you really need to try and get her to like rugby!

Mine loves rugby, but think that's mainly for the men....she was traumatized when Mossy announced he was retiring.

The thing is, she probably could be interested, but the whole point of Rugby days is to get wasted and hang out with the lads

Ha, fair enough - sometimes compromises have to be made though!

Plus, it is always nice to have someone to indulge in some post match "celebrations" if we win!

Unfortunately, being a Scotland rugby fan there's not often many opportunities to celebrate

Can you not bring one of your friends girlfriends too so they can go do something else while the guys are at the rugby?

If you aren't into rugby there isn't too much else in Limerick.

Anyway lads give me a PM if you want help or advice closer the time regarding hotels and that kind of thing for Limerick.

Thanks Stag - I will do that!

Red stag looks more likely we'll play you in USA.

I like this pool. I think it suits all sides they should all feel they have a realistic shot at top spot.

Edinburgh should feel confident after last season's HC.

Some good away trips in store, especially Edinburgh and Paris though Thomond Park should be fun too.

Three cheers for Sireli Bobo!

That will never happen Beshocked. All talk but when push comes to shove I dont see it.