With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased multiple impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
