With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round included a number of convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces 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 any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
