Now that the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we examine the key revelations highlighted by the fixtures.
French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's top flight. However, the initial stage showcased several convincing performances from emerging challengers.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown
Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.
Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this year. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are more than capable of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.
Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.
Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.
France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the wings has a chance against whoever they face.
Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.
The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.
Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a late rally.
With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago occurred in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.
Having secured a league trophy to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start
You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.
In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.
The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.
In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.
Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?
If there's one team you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.
Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.
Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with often weakened teams used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.
The reactions after the game were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.
The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the competition, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.
Northampton and Pau Produce a Classic Encounter
There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.
Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.
They are right now second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's