Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points emerging from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. But, the first weekend featured several statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of achieving another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
