With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons stemming from the games.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the first weekend showcased several statement victories from potential challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Lying sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment this year. However, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.
But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.
France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.
Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run
Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup dates back almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and top the home league, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a all-important five points.
With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to shock heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.
However in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction 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 caught out and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.
Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back 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 quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.
Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was among the best.
Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's