Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.
French dominance has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased several convincing performances from new contenders.
Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.
Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Challenging for the Title
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.
Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.
They blend offensive flair – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the pools the previous year occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.
Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback
There are quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, in turn, handed a significant setback to their opponents.
With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?
When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but delivered little. 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 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often weakened teams fielded.
Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff expressing their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.
The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Saints and Pau Serve Up a Memorable Match
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a superb season, guided by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are currently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
