With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round showcased several statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory 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 period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
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 the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to go deep into the competition, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
