With the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the initial stage included several statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing 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 powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Formidable 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 strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
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 URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
