Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the first weekend included several statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home 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 polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend creative spark – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the roster, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
