Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the opening round included several statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the feat this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
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 the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half 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
