Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. But, the initial stage showcased multiple impressive wins from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, 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.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
