Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round showcased several convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup 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 quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with often rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
