Now that the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the games.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. However, the opening round included multiple impressive wins from new challengers.
Bordeaux Look Set to Defend Their Title
Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition last season, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.
Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.
Faced with a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
But, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second period, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.
France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges is a threat against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more prepared to secure another title.
The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into continental competition – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.
They blend offensive flair – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their opponents at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth across the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the initial phase a year ago was in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.
Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.
The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.
In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.
With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.
And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.
Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?
Should you pick one side you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
But in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.
It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.
This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his first appearance 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 Appear Equipped to Compete
From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.
Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to progress far in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.
Pau have been having a superb campaign, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.
They are currently in second place in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
