Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased several statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as 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 pivotal moment in the pools a year ago was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance 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 Appear Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
