With the first round of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage showcased several convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, 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 title this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point 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 those two on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the squad, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites 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 last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear 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 not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
