Following the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the games.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's elite division. But, the first weekend featured several impressive wins from new rivals.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the feat this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against any competition.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.
The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth throughout the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a league trophy in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.
By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often weakened teams selected.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with individuals involved talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been enjoying a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
