Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. But, the opening round included multiple impressive wins from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, 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 claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with several weakened teams used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
