With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the opening round featured a number of convincing performances from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
