With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the opening round included several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with often rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? 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 words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
