Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. But, the initial stage showcased several statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
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 in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding 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 team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out 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 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 time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
