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Following the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons highlighted by the games.

French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's elite division. But, the first weekend showcased a number of impressive wins from new contenders.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the final.

Lying sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the feat this year. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are more than capable of securing another trophy with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Given a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.

But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the break.

France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in this competition was almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.

The current English champions are setting the pace in the league after six games and will be looking 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 polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.

They marry creative spark – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a late rally.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and strength in depth all over the team, they have to be considered credible threats for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's defining match in the pools a year ago was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.

After winning a domestic championship under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start

The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.

The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.

With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a significant setback to their opponents.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.

And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for rugby in Scotland.

Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?

If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.

But in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win 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 caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the last four.

This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete

Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and the previous season not a single one succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides used.

Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.

The reactions after the game were positive too, with individuals involved speaking of their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.

The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the tournament, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match

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

Pau have been enjoying a superb campaign, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.

They are right now second in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's