With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. But, the first weekend featured several statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
