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With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the key revelations stemming from the games.

Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in recent years, with the last five champions all representing France's elite division. But, the first weekend featured multiple convincing performances from potential challengers.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.

Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.

Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the interval.

Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges is a threat against any opponent.

Formidable Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title

Bath's sole success in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be looking to translate that form into continental competition – on the back of a unexpected elimination the previous season.

Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the URC.

They marry creative spark – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they attempted a dramatic comeback.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth all over the team, they have to be considered serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year came in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.

Having secured a domestic championship to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow

You will find strong teams in every pool, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important bonus-point win.

By achieving this, they provided their hopes of advancing a significant early boost and, conversely, dealt a damaging defeat to Sale.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect plenty of fireworks.

And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in a long time to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.

Will Ioane Be the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?

Should you pick one side you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be European giants Leinster.

Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have been favourites but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after backing up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

This year they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.

Will Ioane prove to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete

Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides selected.

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

The words from players and coaches were positive too, with the squad and staff speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.

The Stormers appear the best bet for a South African side to progress far in the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat 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 the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.

Pau have been having a brilliant season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

They are right now runner-up in the French league and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's