With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. However, the opening round included several impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the team, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools a year ago came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss 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 first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to go deep into the competition, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
