Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend included a number of impressive wins from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams in every pool, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are leading 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 aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
