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With the first round of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points emerging from the games.

French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's Top 14. But, the opening round featured a number of convincing performances from new challengers.

Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in the competition a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.

Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Faced with a challenging fixture at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.

Yet, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.

Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with those two on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.

The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.

Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.

They combine offensive flair – sealing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad across the team, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.

After winning a league trophy under their belt and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow

There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground 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 period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.

In doing so, they handed their prospects of qualification a positive start and, conversely, handed a hefty blow to Sale.

With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.

And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.

Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?

Should you pick one side you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

But in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.

This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

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

Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up

Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and in the last campaign no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams used.

Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their continental journey with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.

The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Deliver a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.

Pau have been having a superb season, guided by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

They are currently second in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's