With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage featured a number of impressive wins from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
