Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage featured several statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming 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 each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
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 Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, spearheaded by stars 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
