Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included several impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season 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 secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
