Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round included a number of impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, inflicted a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his first appearance 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 Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
