Major Lessons after the Champions Cup's Opening Weekend
With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we delve into the primary lessons emerging from the weekend's action.
Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. But, the opening round included multiple statement victories from new rivals.
Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back
Current holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.
Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a high-scoring win on the road in South Africa.
Handed a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at the break.
However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls to zero after the break.
Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the edges has a chance against any opponent.
Formidable Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run
Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have arguably not been more strongly positioned to win it again.
The defending English Premiership champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.
Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.
They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their guests at arm's length when they threatened a late rally.
With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.
Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year occurred in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.
Now with a domestic championship in their history and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow
The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.
In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.
The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable maximum haul.
With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, dealt a significant setback to the Sharks.
With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.
And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.
Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?
If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.
However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.
It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.
This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.
Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?
Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up
Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the group stage, with several rotated sides used.
Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.
The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.
The Stormers appear the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did meet formidable opponents respectively.
Northampton and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest
There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.
Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.
They are presently second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's
