🔗 Share this article

Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.

French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. However, the initial stage included a number of convincing performances from new contenders.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.

Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.

Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.

But, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.

French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the flanks has a chance against any opponent.

Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance

Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never 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 aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.

Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.

They combine creative spark – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their visitors at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.

Bath's key result in the pools last season came in the following week, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.

Having secured a league trophy in their history and leading the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback

The tournament contains strong teams everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.

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 Friday evening might just be pivotal.

The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a all-important maximum haul.

In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.

With the French giants – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.

And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.

Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?

When considering a contender you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the sharp end of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.

Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

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 win over Harlequins.

Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Look Ready to Step Up

From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides used.

Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.

The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.

The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.

The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was among the best.

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

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