Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend featured multiple impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful 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 season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign 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 Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were caught out and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas 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
