Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points emerging from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. However, the opening round featured multiple impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at a distance when they attempted a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the team, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.
Now with a league trophy to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were encouraging too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
