With the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend showcased several impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league 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 team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend creative spark – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season occurred in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with several weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
