Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the opening round showcased a number of convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue 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 the break.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
