IT'S that time of year when European rugby awakes from hibernation and crackles into life.

Sale Sharks are back in the Heineken Cup this year yet have been handed an absolutely horrific draw, ending up in this year's group of death with holders Munster and French powerhouses Clermont Auvergne.

The Sharks aren't far behind in terms of quality but I worry about their ability to perform away from Edgeley Park and pick up enough points on the road.

You can't underestimate the virtue of experience in this competition, knowing when a bonus point might make the difference.

They will require Luke McAlister, a class act, and their livewire new signing Dwayne Peel to inject some urgency into the back line and create opportunities for wings Mark Cueto and Rory Lamont to finish.

Up front, the marauding Sebastien Chabal will need to roll back the years to control things from the base of the scrum.

The Mancunians have made a good start domestically and wily coach Philippe Saint-Andre knows his way round Europe.

He will need every last ounce of skill out of his charges if Sale are to upset the form book and reach the quarter finals.

WILL Greenwood is a Heineken ambassador. For more from Will, including exclusive video previews and opinions as well as Heineken Cup competitions, please log on to www.heinekenrugby.co.uk. Tweet