Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. However, the opening round featured several statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy to their name and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams in every pool, but Pool One looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
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 all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much 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 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
