Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage included multiple statement victories from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the wings has a chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow
You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, in turn, handed a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
