Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. However, the initial stage included a number of convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
