Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. However, the opening round showcased a number of statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at a hostile venue 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 unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
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.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With the French giants – commanding 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 traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
