With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. But, the opening round included multiple statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend creative spark – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the squad, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised 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 provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
