Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. But, the first weekend included several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the team, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a league trophy to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Is this the year 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 post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
