Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round featured several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass 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 occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, led 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 stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
