With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the initial stage showcased multiple statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the team, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
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 as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However 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 the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to progress far in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
