With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's elite division. But, the initial stage showcased multiple convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's only triumph in this competition was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy in their history and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback
There are strong teams throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious five points.
By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign 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 hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out 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 debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 away win 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 stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the competition, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Memorable Match
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
