SKIPPER Jonathan Humphreys believes Bath's dreams of lifting the Heineken Cup for a second time are just that dreams at the moment.

Humphreys, a beaten finalist with Cardiff in the inaugural competition in 1996, knows only too well Bath's affinity with the tournament they won memorably in 1998.

But the Welsh hooker reckons this year's contenders will be the usual big names such as Toulouse, Leicester and Wasps.

And he admitted: "It's too early to be talking about outside chances of winning it or how we're going to do in the competition.

"If we qualify with a home draw then we look favourable."

He added: "I have massive memories of the Heineken Cup.

"It has huge implications for the finance of the clubs; some clubs survive on how well they do in Europe.

"It's huge for Bath, especially since they have won it in the past and it is huge for the club and the supporters and players."

Head coach John Connolly may rotate his squad for the visit of French outfit Bourgoin in their first Pool tomorrow (2.15pm)

Prop Matt Stevens is in line for a start and Humphreys himself has a sore shoulder which was due for a check today.

Young flanker James Scaysbrook may get the nod in front of Michael Lipman, while Nick Walshe could earn his first start at scrum-half in place of Martyn Wood.

Full-back Lee Best should also be fit, despite spending last Saturday night in Bath's Royal United Hospital suffering from low blood sugar level.

The two other full-backs Kiwi Joe Maddock and England's Matt Perry are still battling back to full fitness.

Bourgoin coach Laurent Seigne meanwhile, has a personal point to prove tomorrow.

He was the coach of Brive when they were beaten by Bath in the 1998 final.

The 43rd fan through the gates at the Rec tomorrow will become the millionth fan to watch Heineken Cup rugby in England.