Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. However, the first weekend included several impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with that pair on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, 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 aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout 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 final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
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 Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to progress far in the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
