With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased a number of statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy in their history and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
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 the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, 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 return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
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 in the last campaign not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, 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 atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
