Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the initial stage showcased multiple impressive wins from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – securing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams in every pool, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
