Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. But, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with that pair on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools a year ago occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, 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 team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
