With the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with often rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
