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Now that the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.

Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. However, the initial stage featured multiple impressive wins from emerging challengers.

Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.

Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the feat this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.

Handed a tough assignment at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.

However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.

Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Seem Poised of Going the Distance

Bath's only triumph in this competition dates back almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to win it again.

The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.

Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.

They combine creative spark – sealing the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, restraining their guests at arm's length when they threatened a dramatic comeback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's key result in the pools a year ago occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.

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

Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow

There are strong teams throughout the draw, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.

The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable five points.

By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, handed a significant setback to Sale.

With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for plenty of fireworks.

And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.

Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?

If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.

Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season 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 thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.

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

Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge

Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.

Will this be the campaign that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.

The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.

The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest

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

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

They are right now second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's