Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage featured several impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They combine attacking verve – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams in every pool, but Pool One 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 away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 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 win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
