Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals 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 progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
