Fiona Coghlan's Champions Cup Round 1 preview

FRIDAY

I think Connacht have gone so well at home this season, those first three games in the URC and then a brilliant performance against Leinster last weekend where they were unfortunate not to see out the win. They'll fancy their chances but it's a good Bordeaux side that are coming over. You have the likes of Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu, and then in the backs Damian Penaud has signed for them. Depoortere [Nicolas] is another young fella that's coming through.

But Connacht will be looking to continue their good form at home; their attack has been very good and will now look to shore up their defence a little bit.

SATURDAY

Ulster's last couple of performances have been really poor and there is lots of talk about the intensity of their training, with coach Dan MacFarland saying during the week that they need to improve the level of their training. The go over the Bath who are joint-Premiership favourites. You have the likes of Finn Russell there.

Is this going to be the moment that turns Ulster's season? This time last year they had a bad run of games as well. Herring [Rob] and Henderson [Iain] coming back into the squad and are available for selection.

It's tough going away to Bath and it's a tough pool for Ulster. The hardest game for Irish sides this weekend.

Munster should be looking to kick on in this match and look for the bonus point. Bayonne have not been good, particularly away from home.

I have spoken before about the depth in Munster's squad and the younger players coming through, making their mark. Tom Ahern in particular is one to watch.

SUNDAY

It's something [the defeats in the last two finals and a semi-final before that] that will be on their minds. Leinster have the talent within that squad to win such a