With the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.
Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's top flight. But, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Positioned sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the title this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
French try-scoring aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at a distance when they threatened a late rally.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase the previous year was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy in their history and leading domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
There are strong teams in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors 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 valuable five points.
In doing so, they gave their chances of progressing a positive start and, by contrast, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered 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 claimed a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
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 pool phase, with often squads not at full strength selected.
Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, 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 SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.
Saints and Pau Deliver 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 experiencing a outstanding season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
