Benetton Treviso
Coach: Franco Smith The big question: After some great one-off wins can they find the consistency they need to start climbing the league table? The likely answer: They may well do. They have recruited well and have lost none of their core players. Watch out for: Brendan Williams. As old as the hills, but a crafty operator in attack. Last season: 10th. Prediction: 9th.
Cardiff Blues
Coach: Phil Davies The big question: Can they recover from the exodus of talent and experience they have just suffered? The likely answer: It will be hard, but they still have some useful performers so they shouldn't go into freefall. Watch out for: Jamie Roberts. On his day, the best player in Europe. Last season: 7th. Prediction: 8th.
Connacht
Coach: Eric Elwood The big question: Was last season a one-off and can the shoestring boys from Galway do even better? The likely answer: Probably, and probably not. Connacht just don't have the depth of quality to go higher. Watch out for: Dan Parks. He won't run in tries from 60 yards, but the master-tactician will keep a firm hand on the Connacht tiller. Last season: 8th. Prediction: 10th.
Edinburgh
Coach: Michael Bradley The big question: Can they possibly be as bad in the PRO12 as they were last season? The likely answer: Probably not. Bradley has added strength and depth to his squad so the capital club can still put out a decent side when their big names are away. Watch out for: Grant Gilchrist. The lock was the find of last season. More of the same and a Scotland cap beckons. Last season: 11th. Prediction: 5th.
Glasgow Warriors
Coach: Gregor Townsend The big question: Can Townsend justify his controversial appointment when he took the place of Sean Lineen at the end of last season? The likely answer: Who knows? Townsend's inexperience as a head coach offers no clues. But at least he has the players who could put a convincing challenge together. Watch out for: Nikola Matawalu. An electric presence at scrum-half. The summer signing from Fiji could put real pressure on Chris Cusiter. Last season: 4th. Prediction: 3rd.
Leinster
Coach: Joe Schmidt The big question: Did their shock loss in the PRO12 final hurt their pride. Will they target the Rabo/Heineken double this season? The likely answer: Yes to the first question, not so clear on the second. But Leinster still have the strongest squad in Europe, so they have to be favourites for both tournaments. Watch out for: Jamie Heaslip. The heartbeat of the team and a raw force of nature at No 8. Last season: 1st (but lost to Ospreys in the grand final). Prediction: 1st.
Munster
Coach: Rob Penney The big question: How quickly can they overcome the loss of a host of stalwarts and bring the new guard through? The likely answer: Not quickly enough. The old stagers are on their last legs and the next generation still look just that bit too raw. Watch out for: Casey Laulala. The former All Black, just signed from Cardiff Blues, is one of the most elusive runners in the game. Last season: 3rd. Prediction: 6th.
Newport Gwent Dragons
Coach: Darren Edwards The big question: The Welsh journeymen have relied on a few star names in recent seasons, but can they come back from the loss of those players? The likely answer: It will be tough. The Rodney Parade side look desperately short of quality this season. Watch out for: Ian Nimmo. The former Scotland A lock has toughened up with a few seasons at Cornish Pirates and has a lot of weight to throw around now. Last season: 9th. Prediction: 11th.
Ospreys
Coach: Steve Tandy The big question: Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe have gone. Who will score their tries now? The likely answer: They would love to know. The Swansea side still have a potent pack, but they may lack firepower behind the scrum. Watch out for: Ryan Jones. Sent home from the 2009 Lions tour, the likeable utility forward will want a big season to book his ticket to Australia next year. Last season: 2nd (then beat Leinster to become champions). Prediction: 2nd.
Scarlets
Coach: Simon Easterby The big question: After another talent exodus, do they still have the forward grunt to get the best from their dangerous backs? The likely answer: Just about, but they may take time to settle into the new season. Watch out for: George North. A World Cup sensation who just keeps getting better. Last season: 5th. Prediction: 7th.
Ulster
Coach: Mark Anscombe The big question: Will the fans warm to their new Kiwi coach after the ousting of local hero Brian McLaughlin? The likely answer: Perhaps, but it might take silverware to win them over. Watch out for: Ruan Pienaar. Broke Edinburgh hearts in the Heineken semi and the South African could break a few more in the months ahead. Last season: 6th. Prediction: 4th.
Zebre
Coach: Christian Gajan The big question: Can an Italian team be competitive without a raft of overseas players? The likely answer: Almost certainly not. Watch out for: Mauro Bergamasco. Getting long in the tooth, but still a wonderfully wily flanker. Last season: N/A (defunct Aironi finished 12th). Prediction: 12th.
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