Now that the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased multiple convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the squad, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage last season was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
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 all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts 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 promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
