Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations stemming from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend featured several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the squad, 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 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
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 not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
