Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of impressive wins from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. But, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with that pair on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in this competition was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season came in the following week, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
There are powerful sides in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame 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 top continental showings in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up 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 round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided 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 Look Equipped to Compete
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 in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with often weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
