With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the first weekend featured several statement victories from emerging contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – securing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a domestic championship in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict 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 hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago 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 hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
