With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage included a number of impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
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 precious five points.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
