Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend featured several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
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 experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
