Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend showcased several convincing performances from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten 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 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches talking about their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a superb season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
