With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage included several convincing performances from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
