Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage featured multiple statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – earning the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section 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 be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns 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 last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut 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 Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker 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
