Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the opening round featured several statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the squad, they must be viewed as credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy to their name and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to Sale.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
