Now that the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the last five champions all hailing from France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage showcased a number of statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of winning another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings has a chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination last year.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They marry offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth across the squad, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools a year ago came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
After winning a domestic championship under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start
You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
With this result, they provided their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.
However in recent campaigns 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 the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to go deep into the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
