Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. However, the opening round showcased several statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the feat this year. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped 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 stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams selected.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the likes 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 team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
