Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased multiple convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the feat now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
