With the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round showcased several statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
Yet, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines 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 whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of 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 highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend attacking verve – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a precious five points.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals 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, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face the French powerhouses respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
