With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round showcased a number of convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance 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
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength used.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
