Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals 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, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides used.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
