Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. But, the initial stage featured a number of convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
