With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. However, the initial stage showcased a number of statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise three-time winners 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 expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
