Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased a number of convincing performances from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition last season, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the halftime.
French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth all over the roster, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the pools the previous year was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides fielded.
Will this be the campaign that is different? 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 the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with individuals involved expressing 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 appear the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a superb season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
