This is the competition that everyone is talking about, relishing the prospect of great European clashes, with famous teams battling out for ultimate glory.

Oh, that’s the ECC you say? But not this ECC? So there’s no need to get excited about Treviso v La Rochelle? And the winner gets nothing, not even qualification for the main ECC?

Nevertheless, here are my predictions for Round 1, without time or inclination (mostly inclination) to write lengthy justifications for each game.

HARLEQUINS to beat Stade Francais by 13 – Quins are strong at home, Stade terrible away.

GRENOBLE to beat Lyon by 8 – Always pick home wins in the Top 14, this should be no different.

OSPREYS to beat Newcastle Falcons by 13 – Comfortable home win, Dean Richards won’t care.

BRIVE to beat Newport Gwent Dragons by 6 – Not sure about this one. Brive won’t care, but are the better side on domestic form.

CARDIFF BLUES to beat Bristol by 16 – Probably a second-string Bristol side.

ENISEI-STM to beat Worcester Warriors by 2 – Tough away to trip to Russia.

EDINBURGH to beat Timi?oara Saracens by 23 – Who?

BENETTON TREVISO to beat La Rochelle by 2 – Not a priority for La Rochelle.

GLOUCESTER RUGBY to beat Bayonne by 13 – Bayonne focusing on getting off the bottom of the Top 14 table, not this.

BATH to beat Pau by 13 – Bath should have more pride.

What do you think? Is my infectious enthusiasm rubbing off yet?

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James