With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round showcased several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the squad, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction 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 ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
