Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of achieving consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including 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 showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – earning the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and in the last campaign 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 leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the players such as South African internationals 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 go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
