With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the opening round featured multiple convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side 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 maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons 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 overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 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 win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist 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 Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's