Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. However, the opening round showcased multiple impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the feat this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with those two on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but their section appears poised 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 prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
