Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points emerging from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage showcased multiple statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their guests at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams in every pool, but their section appears poised 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 first day might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker 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
