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Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the major talking points stemming from the weekend's action.

French dominance has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's Top 14. But, the opening round showcased a number of statement victories from emerging challengers.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.

Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat now. Yet, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.

Faced with a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.

Yet, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the second half, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.

French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any team with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.

Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of A Deep Run

Bath's lone victory in Europe came almost 30 years ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.

The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.

They combine offensive flair – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their guests at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad all over the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's key result in the pools a year ago occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.

After winning a domestic championship in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback

The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.

The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.

With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.

With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we should be in for high-stakes drama.

And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.

Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?

When considering a contender you would fancy to be in the mix at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were caught out and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

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

Stormers Look Equipped to Compete

Since the South African sides entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one was able to progress out of the group stage, with often rotated sides used.

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

The post-match comments were promising too, with players and coaches speaking of their goals, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.

The Stormers look the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.

Northampton and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter

There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.

Pau have been experiencing a brilliant season, led by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.

They are currently runner-up in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's