Shaping up nicely.

After three thrilling rounds of Champions Cup action, four teams have now emerged as frontrunners to lift the famous trophy in May of next year.

While there’s still a lot of rugby to be played, these sides have shone above the rest we believe, and are in pole position to advance to the knockout stages and perhaps go all the way.

As things stand the five pool leaders are Leinster, Munster, La Rochelle, Clermon and Toulon and for us, four of those five teams now lead the way as genuine contenders for the title.

Leinster

Our favourites as things stand after their hugely impressive win over English champions Exeter away from home. You’d expect them to win the reverse tie at the Aviva, meaning they will as good as qualified for the knockout stages before the new year. Expect to see them finish very highly in the seedings, and very well could go all the way after reaching the semi-final stages last year.

Clermont

We originally had Saracens in here, but after yesterday’s result Clermont are right back in it. Saracens look to be imploding this season and could find themselves in big trouble if results don’t come face. Clermont meanwhile have been plodding along nicely, hitting form at the right time. Can they finally win the elusive Champions Cup? Don’t bet against it.

La Rochelle

A surprise package in the Top 14 last season, they’re doing it all over again this year, except in Europe. Three from three, with try-bonus points in all games, they currently sit top of their pool and the overall rankings. A rare breed of French team that can not only win at home, but away as well. Underestimate them at your own peril. These lads are the real deal.

Munster

When you consider the amount of injuries Munster have at the moment, and the ease at which they disposed Leicester, how can you not consider the genuine contenders? The transition to Johann van Graan has been seamless, the big names are in-form, while a number of squad players have put their hands up in recent weeks. We reckon they’ll end up nicking a win this weekend at Welford Road, setting them up nicely for the latter stages of the pools.