Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the opening round included several convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, 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 came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now 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.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
