Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round featured several impressive wins from potential rivals.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the accomplishment now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the wings is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools the previous year was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a Premiership title to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
You will find strong teams everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago 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 final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss 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 bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
