Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased multiple convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
