Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points emerging from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. But, the opening round showcased a number of impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time 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 quarter-finals, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
