With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. However, the opening round showcased several convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season occurred in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered 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 key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
