With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. But, the opening round featured several convincing performances from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of achieving back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at arm's length when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
