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Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the primary lessons emerging from the fixtures.

Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. But, the first weekend included several convincing performances from potential rivals.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.

Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the accomplishment now. However, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a high-scoring triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Faced with a tough assignment at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side including talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.

But, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.

Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the wings stands a good chance against any competition.

Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in Europe was almost 30 years ago. Since that time, they have probably never been more prepared to secure another title.

The current English champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into the Champions Cup – especially after a shocking early departure last year.

Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are third in the URC.

They blend offensive flair – earning the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, restraining their visitors at a distance when they threatened a fightback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the team, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's key result in the pools last season occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.

After winning a domestic championship in their history and top in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Give Sale a Significant Setback

You will find powerful sides in every pool, but their section appears poised to be one of the tightest.

In the existing pool system, a lot is said about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.

The team from Scotland were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a valuable five points.

In doing so, they provided their prospects of qualification a positive start and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.

With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.

And regarding Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to shock three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.

Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?

Should you pick one side you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in the last few years 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 heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was thought that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

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

Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge

From the moment the SA franchises became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with often squads not at full strength selected.

Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.

The words from players and coaches were encouraging too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers look the best bet for a team from South Africa to go deep into the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.

The English and French Sides Serve Up a Classic Encounter

There were multiple possibilities for game of the weekend, and that clash was among the best.

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

They are currently in second place in the French championship and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's