Now that the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round featured multiple statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass 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 time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
