Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. But, the opening round included a number of statement victories from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side featuring 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 displayed their class in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with that pair on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons 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 heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
