With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the team, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could 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.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction 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 surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
