Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round included a number of impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine creative spark – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the squad, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss 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 first appearance 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 joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
