Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. But, the first weekend showcased multiple convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece 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.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, led 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
