Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons highlighted by the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. But, the opening round included multiple statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They blend creative spark – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains 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 securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year 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 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
