Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased multiple statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive 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 round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
