Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round included multiple convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry creative spark – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools a year ago was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
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 in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
