Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included a number of convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the title now. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.
But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.
Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.
Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance
Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more prepared 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 – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.
They marry attacking verve – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the team, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a Premiership title under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start
There are powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.
The Scottish side were two scores behind 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 provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.
But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Look Equipped to Compete
Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.
Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.
The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are right now in second place in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
