Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. But, the opening round showcased a number of convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase a year ago was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, conversely, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
