Following the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage featured several statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the flanks is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at a distance when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. 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 last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance 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 Seem Ready to Step Up
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 last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with several weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's