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Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations emerging from the games.

French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. But, the first weekend showcased a number of impressive wins from new challengers.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.

Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the title this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.

Given a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side featuring stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.

However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the interval.

Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance

Bath's only triumph in this competition came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.

Johann van Graan's team looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are third in the Celtic league.

They marry offensive flair – sealing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's defining match in the group stage the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.

Having secured a league trophy to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow

There are quality outfits in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.

By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a positive start and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.

And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.

Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?

When considering a contender you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.

But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.

Now they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Is Ioane the man to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Look Ready to Step Up

From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with often weakened teams fielded.

Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.

The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their aspirations, and the players such as stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.

The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, although don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in the opening round but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for match of the round, and that clash was among the best.

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

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