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With the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the key revelations stemming from the games.

Top 14 superiority has defined the competition in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all calling home France's Top 14. However, the initial stage showcased a number of convincing performances from potential rivals.

Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the last four and then Northampton in the grand finale.

Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the accomplishment now. However, in round one, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

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

Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they showed their quality in the second period, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the interval.

France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with those two on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.

Formidable Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's only triumph in the Champions Cup was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.

Johann van Graan's side looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.

They blend attacking verve – securing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their visitors at arm's length when they threatened a fightback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and a deep squad throughout the squad, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago occurred in the next fixture, an narrow 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.

Having secured a league trophy under their belt and top domestically again, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback

The tournament contains strong teams in every pool, but Pool One seems destined to be one of the tightest.

In the existing pool system, a lot is made about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second period gave them a precious five points.

In doing so, they gave their prospects of qualification a positive start and, by contrast, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.

And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to stun former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for rugby in Scotland.

Could Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Jigsaw?

If there's one team you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to secure the title, but they were caught out and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.

This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

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

Stormers Appear Ready to Step Up

Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign not a single one managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides used.

Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.

The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved talking about their ambition, and the caliber of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the opening victory.

The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to go deep into the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did face formidable opponents respectively.

The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and that clash was right up there.

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

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