With the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points emerging from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. But, the opening round featured several impressive wins from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – on the back of a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They blend creative spark – securing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their guests at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most competitive.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable five points.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would predict to be challenging at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up 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 round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
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 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
