Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's Top 14. However, the first weekend showcased several statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in this competition came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – securing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 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 win the championship, but they were surprised 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 try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's