With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend featured multiple impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this season. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue 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, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
