Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. But, the first weekend included a number of statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
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 secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side 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 valuable five points.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and suffered a shock loss 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 bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
