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Following the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.

Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of statement victories from new contenders.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the final.

Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the title this year. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.

Yet, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.

France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the edges is a threat against any opponent.

Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in Europe was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to translate that form into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.

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

They blend offensive flair – sealing the try-scoring point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at a distance when they threatened a late rally.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves all over the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's key result in the pools a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.

Having secured a domestic championship under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow

The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.

In doing so, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a significant setback to Sale.

With Toulouse – commanding 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for many thrilling contests.

And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in years to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.

Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?

Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

However in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after backing up a 62-0 rout 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 ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.

This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a scoring pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete

Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of 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 group stage, with often squads not at full strength used.

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

The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches expressing their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.

The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to have a long run in the tournament, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter

There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was a leading candidate.

Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.

They are presently second in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's