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Now that the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the games.

Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the past five winners all representing France's elite division. But, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from emerging contenders.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in this tournament last season, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.

Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of winning another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a formidable Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.

However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.

Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any team with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.

The defending English Premiership champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.

They combine attacking verve – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their visitors at bay when they threatened a dramatic comeback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves across the squad, they are surely 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 heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.

After winning a league trophy to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start

You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.

In the existing pool system, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.

The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second period gave them a valuable bonus-point win.

By achieving this, they gave their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.

With the French giants – imperious 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.

And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.

Will Ioane Be the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?

If there's one team you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

However 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 the team to beat last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.

Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete

From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side was able to progress out of the group stage, with plenty of squads not at full strength used.

Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are first in the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.

The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a SA franchise to have a long run in the event, yet do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest

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

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

They are right now second in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's