With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the title this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section 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 the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to Sale.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
