Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase a year ago was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
