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Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations stemming from the fixtures.

Top 14 superiority has ruled the roost in recent years, with the last five champions all calling home France's Top 14. However, the first weekend showcased multiple statement victories from new rivals.

Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.

Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting 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 unleashed their power in the second period, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the interval.

France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with that pair on the wings is a threat against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup came almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.

The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit the previous season.

Johann van Graan's team looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.

They combine attacking verve – earning the try-scoring point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a dramatic comeback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and quality reserves across the team, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season occurred in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.

After winning a league trophy under their belt and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback

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

In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.

The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable five points.

In doing so, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.

With the French giants – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.

And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in a long time to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.

Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?

When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in recent seasons it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was thought that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to win the championship, but they were ambushed and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.

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

Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete

Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength fielded.

Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.

The reactions after the game were promising too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.

The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did face Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Classic Encounter

There were several candidates for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.

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

They are presently runner-up in the French league and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's