Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, 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 challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend creative spark – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist 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 time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
