Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's elite division. However, the initial stage included several statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry attacking verve – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
