With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points emerging from the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. But, the opening round included multiple statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. 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 Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to progress far in the event, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
