With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. However, the opening round featured multiple convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld 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 half-time.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory 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 responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. 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 mauling 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 ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, 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 return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined 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 succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
