With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. However, the initial stage included multiple convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld 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.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the roster, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the following week, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a domestic championship to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up 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 last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and in the last campaign not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a SA franchise to go deep into the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
