There were shock wins for Bayonne and Bordeaux-Begles as the Top 14 returned for the 2019-20 season on Saturday.
Mako Vunipola's return from injury was cut short, but England coach Eddie Jones is "cautiously optimistic" over the prop.
The Rugby World Cup is not far away but Ireland's performance against England showed they are not ready, according to Rory Best.
Ireland's hopes of moving to the top of the world rankings on Saturday were crushed by a brilliant England display at Twickenham.
Sam Skinner, Tommy Seymour and Blade Thomson were forced off as Scotland hit back to beat France a week after a heavy defeat.