With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the major talking points highlighted by the games.
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 statement victories from potential contenders.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents 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, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the edges is a threat against any competition.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The current English champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.
They marry offensive flair – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
After winning a Premiership title under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would fancy to be in the mix at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten 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 final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest
There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
