Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. However, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned 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 – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem 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 not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
