Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. But, the initial stage featured several convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
