With the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. However, the first weekend featured multiple statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
