Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
