With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations emerging from the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine creative spark – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
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 period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
