With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage featured multiple statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend creative spark – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, yet do not rule out 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 multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
