Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend featured a number of impressive wins from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to add a second star.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They marry attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their opponents at a distance when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad all over the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools a year ago occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find powerful sides 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 made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side 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 all-important maximum haul.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides used.
Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with the squad and staff talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a superb season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
