Jordie Barrett Impresses in Leinster's Champions Cup Victory

Jordie Barrett’s debut highlighted the thrilling start to the 2024-25 Investec Champions Cup which featured a stormy round of matches and exciting performances from top teams. Here are five key takeaways from the opening round:

1. Glasgow Prove Title Contenders
Glasgow Warriors, the United Rugby Championship winners, showed their title credentials with a dominant 38-18 victory over Sale Sharks. Scrum-half George Horne scored a hat-trick in the first half and Glasgow secured their bonus point within 23 minutes. Their next match against Toulon could propel them into the round of 16.

2. Saracens Lead English Challenge
Saracens, with three Champions Cup titles, defeated the Bulls 27-5 with four players crossing the try line. Despite other Premiership sides’ struggles—Bath, Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks lost their openers—Northampton Saints triumphed 38-8 over Castres in challenging conditions.

3. Henry Pollock Shines
At just 19, Northampton’s Henry Pollock demonstrated his future potential with a tireless performance against Castres. The flanker’s solo try, evading multiple defenders, earned praise for his determination and skill.

4. Weather Plays a Role
Storm Darragh impacted games in England and Ireland with heavy rain and strong winds disrupting play. La Rochelle’s Brice Dulin and Saracens’ Elliot Daly struggled with the elements while Northampton adapted to stormy conditions. In contrast, the Sharks thrived under sunny Durban skies with Siya Kolisi scoring two tries.

5. Top Teams Dominate
Toulouse defending their title, thrashed Ulster 61-21 with nine tries. Leinster boosted by Jordie Barrett overcame Bristol while Bordeaux Begles powered past Leicester after a slow start. These results show the depth of competition in the tournament.