With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. However, the initial stage featured several statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting 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, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the roster, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools a year ago occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, 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 scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
