Now that the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the opening round included a number of statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at bay when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance 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 Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
