Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's top flight. However, the first weekend included multiple impressive wins from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned 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 – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. 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 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
