Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. But, the initial stage included multiple statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the team, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
