With the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the initial stage showcased a number of statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second half, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
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 last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists 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 last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international 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.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
