With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves throughout the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, 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 trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, 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 building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem 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 quarter-finals, and last year not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
