Following the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round showcased multiple impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable five points.
In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
