Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. However, the initial stage included several convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
