With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round showcased a number of impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with those two on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa 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 play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
