With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased multiple convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up 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 last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut 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 Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises 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 none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started 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 individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's