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Following the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.

French dominance has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round included multiple impressive wins from potential rivals.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.

Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the interval.

But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.

Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was 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 in the league after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.

They blend creative spark – earning the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their visitors at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year was in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.

After winning a league trophy in their history and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow

The tournament contains powerful sides 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 emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.

The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.

With this result, they gave their prospects of qualification a major lift and, by contrast, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.

With the French giants – commanding 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for high-stakes drama.

And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in recent memory to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.

Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?

When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

But in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.

Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge

Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several weakened teams used.

Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.

The words from players and coaches were promising too, with the squad and staff talking about their goals, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.

The Stormers appear the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play the French powerhouses respectively.

Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest

There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.

Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's