Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. However, the opening round showcased several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings 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 group stage last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
