Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend included a number of convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the feat this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine attacking verve – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win 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 ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
