Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, 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 prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure 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 goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
