Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the opening round featured a number of statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut 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 Appear Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the event, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
