Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. However, the opening round showcased a number of convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a major lift and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season 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 top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
