With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. However, the initial stage featured several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry attacking verve – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the team, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on 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 All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup 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 deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
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 reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
