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With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we examine the key revelations emerging from the weekend's action.

French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. Yet, the first weekend featured a number of statement victories from potential rivals.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the grand finale.

Lying sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of winning consecutive championships with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.

Given a tough assignment at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the interval.

But, as champions do, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.

Les Bleus stars phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any team with such firepower on the wings stands a good chance against any opponent.

Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title

Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.

The current English champions are setting the pace at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure last year.

Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.

They combine attacking verve – sealing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their visitors at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the pools a year ago was in the second round, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a changed side.

Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and top in England once more, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Hand Sale a Tough Start

You will find powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group seems destined to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on the first day might just turn out to be vital.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries at the start of the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.

By achieving this, they provided their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, by contrast, handed a significant setback to Sale.

With the French giants – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect many thrilling contests.

And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in recent memory to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.

Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?

Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.

Yet in the last few years it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was thought that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to take them over the line, but they were ambushed and experienced a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.

Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.

Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge

Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and the previous season none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams fielded.

Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.

The reactions after the game were promising too, with players and coaches expressing their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the round-one win.

The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did play Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Produce a Classic Encounter

There were several candidates for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.

Pau have been having a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.

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