With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included a number of impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the squad, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and leading 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 powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back 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
