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Leinster looking unstoppable
Many thought Glasgow Warriors could be the competition's dark horses after their fine run to win the URC last season in the Bulls' backyard in South Africa.
However, that idea was quickly quashed when they came to Dublin and were the next victims of an attacking onslaught led by star man Jordie Barrett.
Leinster followed their mauling of Harlequins with an eight-try triumph over a toothless Glasgow. Can Barrett prove to be the missing piece of their trophy-winning jigsaw?
Bordeaux made it two French sides in the semis
Chances are it would probably be three French sides in the semi-finals if Toulouse and Toulon didn't play each other such is the strength of the Top 14, but Bordeaux maintained their title bid with an attacking masterclass over a helpless Munster.
Munster scored two late tries to put some respectability on the 47-29 scoreline, but truth be told, Bordeaux's star-studded backline, which included the returning Louis Bielle-Biarrey, were far too strong for their visitors.
Super Saints march on
Northampton Saints will continue to fly the English flag in the semi-finals after they trounced Castres in a seven-try win.
Henry Pollock continues to be at his showboating, energetic best and scored two well-taken tries, while Fin Smith chipped in with 16 points off the tee.
One-sided scorelines plagued knockouts again
While the final match of the round delivered entertainment and a nail-biting conclusion, the other three ties proved more damp squibs than thrilling affairs.
Leinster scored 52 unanswered points, 18 points separated Bordeaux and Munster, 35 was the gap between Northampton and Castres before Toulon and Toulouse had just three points between them.
That works out at an average winning margin of 27 points, which is hardly competitive….
Deadeye Ramos settled an all-French thriller
Thomas Ramos overcame a shaky performance off the tee to settle a thriller in the south of France when he was needed most.
The 44-capped French full-back missed an early penalty and what should have been a routine conversion, but when Gabin Villiere was penalised with the clock in the red, the marksman delivered winning points from out wide to send the champions back into the semi-finals.