Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round showcased several impressive wins from emerging rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Handed a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend creative spark – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at a distance when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the squad, they are surely credible threats for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with 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 Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with often rotated sides selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers look the best bet for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been enjoying a superb season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
