With the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round included multiple convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
