Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the initial stage showcased multiple convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry offensive flair – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
There are strong teams in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
If there's one team you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, 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 following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
