Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. However, the opening round showcased multiple convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld 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 break.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are first in 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 positive too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
