Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of achieving consecutive championships with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the interval.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more prepared to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.
They blend attacking verve – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year came in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable bonus-point win.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and experienced 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 key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
