Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. But, the first weekend featured several impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the team, they are surely serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
