Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage featured a number of statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the squad, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
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 said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises 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 managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
