Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. However, the initial stage showcased a number of convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout 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 final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength selected.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
