Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the squad, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
