With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the opening round showcased a number of statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the roster, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools a year ago occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts 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 rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing 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 Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
