Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine attacking verve – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
