Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the opening round included several convincing performances from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend creative spark – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the team, they are surely serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year was in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
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.
By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. 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 last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year 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.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year 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 the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
