Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the initial stage showcased multiple impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the feat this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised 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 registered a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
