Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the opening round featured multiple statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons 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 last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back 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 deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
