Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend included several impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a league trophy to their name and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides 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 said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign 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 hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
