With the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend featured several convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They combine attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons 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 building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises 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 was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
