Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage featured several statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the feat now. But, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools a year ago was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
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 Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, 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 secure European glory 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 the previous season not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with often rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
