Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. But, the first weekend included several impressive wins from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their guests at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves throughout the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a league trophy to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, 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 turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with often weakened teams used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are leading 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 positive too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
