Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased several statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their opponents at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools the previous year came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out 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.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
