With the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations emerging from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend showcased multiple statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage the previous year was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important five points.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem 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 in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? 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 words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
