Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. However, the first weekend included several convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase a year ago came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back 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
