With the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend featured several impressive wins from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the team, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a domestic championship to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season 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 believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing 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 stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
