With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
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 Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed 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 try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
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 the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of 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 the squad and staff talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
