Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the games.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year came in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they handed their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
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 none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
