French teams have flattered to deceive in the Heineken Cup over the last few years but we are hoping Stade Francais will reverse that trend this season.

The Parisian giants reached the final when it was last held at Murrayfield in 2005 and new boss Ewen McKenzie is the man to marshall their talented troops.

The tough Aussie took New South Wales to this year's Super 14 final and will be keen to shine in this competition.

Stade already on song

Stade Francais have made a superb start to the season with seven straight wins in the French top flight and lead the table by eight points from Toulouse.

Ewen McKenzie's side are scoring points for fun and the former Wallabies prop looks to have also instilled some much needed discipline to their defence.

Aussie rugby league star Mark Gasnier has added some steel to a talented back line, they look the finished article.

Heineken Cup

Best outright odds
Toulouse	4/1	Fred/Blue/Sky/SJames
Munster	7/1	tote/Lads
Stade F	7/1	PPower/Lads
Ospreys	14/1	tote/Lads/Hills
Leinster	14/1	SJames/betdirect
Bath	14/1	William Hill
Wasps	14/1	tote
Leicester	14/1	SJames/betdirect
Clermont	16/1	PPower
Gloucester	18/1	sportingbet
28/1 bar

BOOKIES INDEX

bet365.....................622 - 623
BetFred...................669 - 670
Blue Square......................609
Coral..................................611
49's....................................649
Jennings Bet.....................625
Ladbrokes...............605 - 606
Paddy Power..........664 - 666
Pagebet.............................696
Stan James.............630 - 634
Tote................661, 667 & 668
William Hill...............600 - 601