🔗 Share this article

Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the games.

Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. However, the initial stage featured several statement victories from potential contenders.

Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.

Positioned sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of achieving another trophy with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.

Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.

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

France international machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with such firepower on the edges stands a good chance against any opponent.

Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title

Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.

The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.

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

They blend attacking verve – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at a distance when they attempted a dramatic comeback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the roster, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.

Bath's key result in the initial phase last season was in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.

Having secured a league trophy to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback

You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.

The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.

With this result, they handed their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, handed a significant setback to their opponents.

With the French giants – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.

And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to shock former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.

Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?

Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.

However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.

Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back 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 furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and the previous season no South African side was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides used.

Is this the year that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.

The post-match comments were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.

The Stormers seem the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest

There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.

Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

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