With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased several statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the wings stands a good chance 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 arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the squad, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
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 last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
