With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. However, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase a year ago was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning 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 season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, 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 Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance 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 Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides used.
Is this the year that changes? 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 post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, 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 best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
