Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. However, the first weekend included a number of convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
