With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. However, the initial stage featured several statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, 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 looking to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
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 turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in 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 talking about their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker 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
