With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included a number of convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after 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 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine creative spark – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the roster, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
