Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage featured multiple statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie 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 half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the wings stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about 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 team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout 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 secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass 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 Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
