With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's top flight. But, the first weekend included multiple impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat 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 believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.
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 the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded 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 crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
