The second match of the Champions Cup pool gets underway this weekend and a massive team selection call is being made.
A home draw in the next round will determine the success or failure of the team as they aim to advance to the top two.
Others who haven’t started their European campaigns face a fight to stay in the competition and will need to bring their A game.
Antoine Dupont sets off for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, while Rob du Preez faces a stern test as he returns to his native South Africa.
Here are some of the best matchups to keep an eye on at a critical time for many teams.
Sion Tuipulotu v Henry Chavensey
Racing 92 head to Glasgow to take on the Warriors in an important match for the Parisian side. If you win one and lose one without any bonus points, failure to win effectively means you are out of the Challenge Cup or continental rugby altogether.
They are a stronger but not yet complete team in Scotland and the experience of 36-year-old Henry Chavancy will be invaluable at centre.
Scotland international Sione Tuipulotu is his opposite number, having more international caps than any racing player.
It’s an exciting battle between two leaders and two very intelligent players, where the winner of the midfield might decide the winning team.
Marni Reebok v Rob Du Preez
Sale Sharks’ Rob du Preez still has a lot to prove in his native South Africa, with the versatile fly-half returning against his former side the Stormers.
He seems to have never been truly appreciated in his home country, having only one international cap to his name for the Springboks.
After a few successful games at centre, he returns to flyhalf alongside Boks regular Manie Libbok, who starts for the Stormers.
If RDP surpasses his direct opponents, his home country will finally recognize him and recognize him as a top-level player.
It won’t be easy because Libbok is such a good playmaker. But looking at du Preez’s kicking, he could make a big impact in this game.
Jaden Hendrikse v Antoine Dupont
Antoine Dupont makes his second appearance and first start in the Southern Hemisphere when Toulouse play the Sharks in Durban.
As one of the best players in the world, the France international will need to play well to silence doubters who think his lack of global experience prevents him from finishing in the top tier.
Jaden Hendrikse is an upcoming Springboks star and the perfect opponent for Dupont to show his class.
Jaden’s powerful carries at the gainline may be too draining for opponents to handle in hot and humid conditions.
Cameron Henderson v Ian Henderson
When Ulster travel across the Irish Sea to play Leicester Tigers at Welford Road it will be a battle between two great locks with the same surname.
Iain is now in his 30s and Cameron is still young at 24 years old.
Ireland international Iain, who has played on two British and Irish Lions tours, must ensure he is not overwhelmed by the new players.
The 6ft 7in Cameron has yet to put in a truly consistent performance and the European games are the perfect way to kick that off.
Facundo Isa v Alex Dombrandt
Sunday’s match between Toulon and Harlequins saw two international players battle it out for eighth place.
Quins could leapfrog Toulon into the top spot, and other results could go their way.
Both are among the best at their positions, strong runners and tacklers with the requisite intelligence.
It may not seem like the most glamorous position, but it gets the team moving and provides an important platform for everyone else to play well.
Paolo Garbisi as Marcus Smith
Marcus Smith signing a new number contract at Quins shows how much he is rated as a fly-half there.
Paolo Garbisi may not be a household name like Smith, but he is a very capable player and international for Italy.
If Toulon want to maintain their lead, they will have to face a strong challenge from their Premiership opponents who field a strong side.
Marcus is cited as one of the best kickers in the game, and he will likely prove instrumental in relieving pressure and scoring points at key moments in the massive match in the south of France.
Peselli Yato v Charlie Ewells
Clermont and Bath are both playing with the lock, who has been at the club for over a decade.
Former Fiji international Peceli Yato has been a key player for Clermont since joining in 2014, while Charlie Ewels has also played for Bath during the same period.
Ewels had a brief loan spell with the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup and is now one of the most important players for the current Premiership leaders.
As captain, the England international will need to win back the support of his country after recently breaking out of Steve Borthwick’s plans.
Leading his club team to European glory would be the perfect way to prove himself, but a win is essential to see his side through after two defeats in two matches.
Read more: Antoine Dupont will make his second appearance in the Southern Hemisphere when Toulouse take on the Sharks.
