Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the opening round featured multiple impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves throughout the squad, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory 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 responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
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 last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
