Rugby betting

POOL E

Toulouse
Bath
Glasgow
Newport

Two teams stand out here; Toulouse and Bath. Toulouse should be the ones to win this group. At 4/9 they are a fine back because even though Bath could run them close I do not believe they have the consistency or belief yet to do so.

Tip: Back Toulouse @ 4/9 to top group

POOL F

Cardiff
Biarritz
Gloucester
Calvisano

For me, this group is a wild gamble as I can argue for all teams to bottle it. Gloucester are strong but have a habit of choking. Cardiff should be better but for some reason never look the real deal and Biarritz have plenty of talent but in a Gallic/Catalan insouciance seem to disappear in games.

However at 3/1 the French are my gamble to win the group. It is good value and should at least give us a fun ride for our money.

Tip: Back Biarritz to top group

OVERALL WINNERS

I cannot get past the basics of Munster as a team who now know how to win this tournament and they have a solid outfit working well together and well known to each other. Toulouse need better luck with injuries than last year and if Dan Carter gels with his new team Perpignan could be a bolter.

Scotland and England teams do not suggest to me the strength or resilience for this year and Ospreys have the skill but their lack of knowhow sometimes scares me from backing them in the really big games. Munster are my pick.

Tip: Back Munster @ 7/1

TOP POINTS SCORER

Just one other tip for the Heineken Cup and that's the always fun top points scorer. I generally do not like these bets because injury can have such a pivotal role but at 4/1 I reckon we can back and then forget for months on end Ronan O'Gara.
Munster should play more games than many and he is a metronome with the boot.