Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring 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 side with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a domestic championship in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, 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 trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, inflicted 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 as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp 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 not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
