With the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round showcased several impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title 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 Tough Start
There are strong teams in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side 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 gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign 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 believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's