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With the opening salvo of the 2025-26 Champions Cup wrapped up, we delve into the major talking points stemming from the games.

French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. However, the opening round included several statement victories from potential contenders.

Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe last season, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the showpiece.

Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.

Given a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.

But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the break.

France international aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the wings has a chance against any opponent.

Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.

The current English champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.

Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.

They marry offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at a distance when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves throughout the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's key result in the initial phase last season came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.

Having secured a Premiership title in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow

There are quality outfits everywhere you look, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.

In the existing pool system, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.

The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a valuable five points.

In doing so, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.

With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.

And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in years to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.

Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?

When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.

However in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.

This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up

Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.

Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.

The words from players and coaches were promising too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest

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

Pau have been having a outstanding season, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

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