Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with that pair on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – earning the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season occurred in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, 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 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 rout 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 key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and experienced 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 claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's