Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the first weekend featured several statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business 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 been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up 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 All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
