Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage featured multiple statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half 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
