Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. However, the first weekend included multiple impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
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 the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage last season occurred in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites 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 hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa 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 group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
