With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. However, the first weekend featured several statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps 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 aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over 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 deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half 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
