Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. However, the first weekend featured multiple convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section looks set 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 prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
