Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. But, the initial stage showcased several impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry creative spark – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet 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 the team to beat a year ago after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory 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
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
