Following the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the opening round featured several impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The current English champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One 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 triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites 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 hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
