With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round featured several convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend creative spark – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist 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 Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
