Now that the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend showcased several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with those two on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage last season was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a Premiership title in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a significant setback to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches expressing their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying 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 Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
