Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the feat this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback 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 Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped 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 surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
