With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams in every pool, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 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 win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
