Now that the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points emerging from the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round showcased multiple statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry attacking verve – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season 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 New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset 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 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been having a outstanding season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
