With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. But, the initial stage included multiple convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be 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 four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing 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 final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
