Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. However, the opening round showcased several impressive wins from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in Europe was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They combine creative spark – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at bay when they threatened a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools a year ago was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after building on 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 key player 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 bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.
Is this the year 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 post-match comments were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
