With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. However, the initial stage featured multiple convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals 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 showed their quality in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago 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 hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
