Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the games.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. However, the initial stage included multiple convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's side 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 blend attacking verve – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, by contrast, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
