With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points stemming from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round featured a number of impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss 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 try assist on his first appearance 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 Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff talking about their aspirations, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
