With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. But, the first weekend included multiple statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the wings is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage last season was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side 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 maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist 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 time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem 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 each suffered defeat in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
