Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. However, the initial stage included several impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase the previous year was in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following 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 All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
