With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to Sale.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
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 none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading 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 players and coaches expressing their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
