With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture 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 the break.
But, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their opponents at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage last season came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
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 now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to Sale.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would fancy 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 shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 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 final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined 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 succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches talking about their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
