Following the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages 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 been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and started 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 speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
