Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's elite division. However, the first weekend showcased several impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable five points.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on 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 take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, 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
