With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. However, the first weekend featured multiple convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to claim 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 flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams in every pool, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening 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.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut 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 Look Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
