Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. However, the initial stage featured a number of convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
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 winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring 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 Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
