Having won Europe's elite club competition for three years on the bounce, the big question on many people's minds, is who can stop Toulon?

Their dominance in Europe is there for all to see, and with the likes of Quade Cooper, Ma'a Nonu and Duane Vermeulen joining their ranks this season it remains to be seen if they're beatable when it matters most. 

With the final in France for the first time in six years, the French sides will be doing all they can to make it through to the showpiece final which will take place at the Stade des Lumieres in Lyon

Toulon included in 'pool of death'

Following the draw earlier this year, the group that stood out was Pool 5, which included triple-champions Toulon, and three other sides who have all prevailed in Europe's biggest competition - Bath, Leinster and Wasps

All four sides qualified for the knockout stages last season, with only one likely to make it through to the last eight this time around owing to the strength of all four sqauds, this is not one to miss!

Only Toulon could lose the likes of Bakkies Botha, Carl Hayman and Chris Masoe, yet have a stronger looking squad than they did last year.

Samu Manoa and Paul O'Connell have signed for the Rouge et Noir, adding to the aditions of Nonu, Cooper and Vermeulen for a squad which looks capable of continued dominance. Steffon Armitage will continue to frustrate England fans with his frighteningly strong performances, whilst young winger Josua Tuisova looks set to make his mark. 

Jonny Sexton re-joins Leinster from his spell in France, where his partnership with Ian Madigan will be fascinating to watch. This is without doubt the toughest task the Irish provence have ever faced in terms of qualifying for the knockout stages. 

Wasps backline which includes Charles Piutau, Christian Wade and Elliot Daly is amongst the most exciting in Europe, playing behind half-backs Joe Simpson and Jimmy Gopperth once the Kiwi returns from his ban. The pack includes wily veteran George Smith, as well as England stars James Haskell and Joe Launchbury, who could soon be joined on the international stage by Nathan Hughes who is continuing to pull up trees after his breakthrough season last year. 

Fellow Aviva Premiership side Bath are continuing to develop under Mike Ford with a young English core including Anthony Watson and George Ford who are looking to get over the World Cup embarrassment with the help of Fijian freak Niko Matawalu. With Sam Burgess now out of the pitcure, David Denton has been brought in to add carrying ability to a back-row which already includes Springbok Francois Louw and wrecking-ball Leroy Houston

Saracens must come through double French test

Pool 1 of the Champions Cup contains English champions Saracens, Ulster, and French pair Toulouse and Oyonnax

Oyonnax were the surprise package in France last season, finishing sixth after narrowly avoiding relegation the season before. They are struggling this season however, with just two wins in their opening Top 14 fixtures.

Long-time Harlequin George Robson is now amongst their ranks, alongside Romanian World Cup star Valentin Urasche. In the back-line they will rely on the likes Piri Weepu and Nicky Robinson to pull the strings as clear outsiders to qualify. 

Saracens have started the season excellently and will look to carry that form with them as the attention turns to European competition. Many of the old faces remain for Sarries, with forwards Billy Vunipola and Maro Itoje crucial to their hopes of progressing. 

Ulster will have to do without Tommy Bowe who is a long-term absentee, and will look to Iain Henderson to lead from the front after a string of fine performances at the World Cup.

Four-time winners Toulouse have struggled over the past few season's in Europe and will be looking for an improved showing this year. They have started the season well with six wins from their first eight games with Toby Flood looking the part at fly-half, and young centre Gael Fickou continuing to flourish. The Toulouse squad is filled with experience from a number of French stars who have tasted victory on the European level making them contenders once more. 

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