With the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. However, the initial stage showcased several convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. However, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
