With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools the previous year was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
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 all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure 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 talking about 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 seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
