With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round featured a number of convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to go deep into the event, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
