Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. However, the opening round featured multiple convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress 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.
Yet, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry creative spark – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory 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 challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
