With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend showcased several convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine 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 four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. 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 round of 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 secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success 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 entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's