Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
