Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the opening round included a number of convincing performances from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the squad, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group appears poised 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 away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought 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 semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
