Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round included a number of impressive wins from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage 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 domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are powerful sides in every pool, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago 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 believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist 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 Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
