Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round featured a number of statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the feat now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their guests at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a league trophy in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits in every pool, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a positive start and, in turn, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
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 several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for match of the round, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
