Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage included several statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – securing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves throughout the team, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 mauling 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 endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
