With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. However, the initial stage included multiple impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
