Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. However, the opening round showcased multiple convincing performances from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland 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 valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win 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 caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
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 the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
