With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. However, the first weekend featured multiple convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title this season. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup 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 the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to progress far in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
