With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's top flight. But, the opening round featured a number of impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend creative spark – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
