Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. However, the opening round included a number of statement victories from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this season. However, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
