Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage featured multiple convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, 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 team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look 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 the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with several weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
