Following the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points stemming from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend featured multiple statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a Premiership title in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One 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 triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
