Now that the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. However, the initial stage showcased several convincing performances from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side 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 bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with often weakened teams used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
