With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the first weekend included multiple convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the feat this season. But, in round one, 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.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their guests at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace 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
There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 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 produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
