Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage showcased several impressive wins from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, 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 win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
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 prospects of qualification a major lift and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with often weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? 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 reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches talking about their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses 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 enjoying a outstanding season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
