Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the fixtures.
French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. However, the first weekend showcased several statement victories from new contenders.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.
But, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with that pair on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine attacking verve – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves all over the squad, they are surely serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
After winning a Premiership title to their name and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but their section looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, 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 two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning 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, inflicted a damaging defeat 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 can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.
This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.
The Stormers look the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the event, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.
Pau have been experiencing a superb campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
