Following the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased multiple statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title this season. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in this competition came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools last season was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made 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 during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, by contrast, handed a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet 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 the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, 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 try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
