Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. However, the initial stage showcased several statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the team, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 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 traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
