With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. However, the initial stage showcased multiple statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
