Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.
Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. Yet, the first weekend included a number of statement victories from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international phenoms 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 stands a good chance against any opponent.
Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – especially after 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 third in the URC.
They combine creative spark – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their opponents at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad across the squad, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the group stage a year ago was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a league trophy under their belt and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road 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 fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important five points.
By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to Sale.
With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge
Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and in the last campaign none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength selected.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to have a long run in the event, but write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a brilliant campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
