With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. But, the first weekend showcased a number of convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago occurred 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 in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over 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 best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
