Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the opening round included multiple statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend creative spark – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits 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 winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing 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 final piece to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began 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 expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
