Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round included several convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns 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 overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading 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 the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a superb season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
