With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. However, the initial stage featured multiple impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign 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 thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
