Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress 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, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a Premiership title in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. 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 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
