Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the opening round included several statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the feat this season. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they gave their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 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 take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
