With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team 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 – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the squad, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory 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 period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after building on 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 New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
