With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage included multiple convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title now. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.
But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the roster, they must be viewed as credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season came in the following week, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
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 provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten 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 round of 16 with a 52-0 win 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 caught out and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist 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 occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to go deep into the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was right up there.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
