Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend featured several statement victories from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue 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 unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
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 edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
