Now that the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round featured multiple impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The current English champions are top of the pile domestically 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 men looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a domestic championship under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years 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 predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages 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 shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
