Is there a new order in European club rugby? Toulon and Clermont have dominated the European Cup over the last three seasons, with the former appearing in the last three finals and the latter joining them in two of the deciders.
Those editions of the marquee tournament were a little formulaic at times, with there being little doubt that the French giants would divvy up the top prize between them.
Thankfully, that hasn't been the case this year. Toulon and Clermont have both lost heavily during the pool stages while Franck Azema's men have dropped two games so far.
Instead, Saracens and Racing Metro have emerged as the most likely teams to usurp the established order. The English side have won five out of five and collected four try bonus points on the way while the Parisians have the same amount of bonus points and only one less win, drawing away to Northampton.
Saracens have probably been the more impressive of the two - walloping Ulster and Toulouse - but some of the rugby played by Racing has been exquisite.
They never really fired with Johnny Sexton at ten but Dan Carter has been a master conductor for his new side. Today they thumped the Scarlets 64-14 and had the bonus point wrapped up by half time.
This try, launched from deep by Carter, is the perfect illustration of the team's potent attack this season.
Louis Dupichot scores a wonder try as @Racing92_E look to be cruising to the quarters. #ChampionsCup LIVE on SS5 https://t.co/7uDdMDjkwh
— Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) January 17, 2016
Racing and Saracens are joint-favourites to win the Champions Cup at 5/2 and either would represent a good bet. The best part about their emergence as front-runners is that they are achieving results in a manner that is yielding lots of tries.
