Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage included several convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals 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 competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
