Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth 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 last season came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, 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 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming 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 quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance 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 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 last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides fielded.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the players such as South African internationals 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 tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
