With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. However, the initial stage featured several convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, 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 return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
