With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round included several impressive wins from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the roster, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
