Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus 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 strength in depth all over the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase last season came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening 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 period gave them a all-important five points.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
