Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the opening round featured multiple convincing performances from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the squad, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, 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 backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
