Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage featured several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at arm's length when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back 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
