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With the initial matches of the 2025-26 Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.

Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the last five champions all representing France's Top 14. Yet, the opening round included several statement victories from emerging contenders.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.

Positioned sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Faced with a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.

Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the interval.

France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with those two on the flanks is a threat against any competition.

Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in this competition came almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.

The current English champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.

Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.

They blend offensive flair – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the squad, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage a year ago was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.

After winning a Premiership title in their history and setting the pace domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback

You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.

In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.

The team from Scotland were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.

In doing so, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.

And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.

Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?

If there's one team you would expect to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured 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 provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge

Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and last year not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength used.

Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.

The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers seem the best bet for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match

There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.

Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.

They are currently runner-up in the French championship and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's