With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. However, the opening round included multiple statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.
The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams in every pool, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland 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 valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
