With the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the first weekend included a number of impressive wins from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the wings stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – securing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy to their name and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? 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 reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
