Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's top flight. However, the opening round included multiple impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, handed a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have been favourites 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 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
