With the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the games.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend showcased multiple statement victories from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the team, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are strong teams in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
