Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend included a number of convincing performances from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals 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 displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The current English champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They combine offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at bay when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find quality outfits in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up 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 last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
