Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. But, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
