Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend showcased multiple impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the likes of stars 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 have a long run in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
