Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.
Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. Yet, the opening round showcased several impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the final.
Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the title this season. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Given a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms 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 whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared to add a second star.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.
They marry creative spark – earning the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their guests at bay when they threatened a fightback.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but the first group appears poised to be one of the tightest.
In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable five points.
With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.
With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.
Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's