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Following the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the fixtures.

French dominance has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's Top 14. Yet, the initial stage featured several statement victories from new rivals.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in this tournament last season, dominating Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the final.

Currently sitting sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the title now. However, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning another trophy with a points-laden win on the road 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 break.

However, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls scoreless after the interval.

French try-scoring machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any side with that pair on the flanks is a threat against any competition.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title

Bath's sole success in this competition came almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to secure another title.

The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into continental competition – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.

Johann van Graan's men looked a extremely well-rounded and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.

They combine creative spark – securing the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, keeping their guests at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves all over the squad, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage the previous year came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.

Having secured a league trophy in their history and setting the pace the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start

There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on Friday evening might just prove crucial.

The Glasgow Warriors were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a valuable five points.

By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, by contrast, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.

With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see plenty of fireworks.

And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.

Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Quest?

Should you pick one side you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after following up a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

This year they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who registered a key pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

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

Stormers Appear 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 in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams selected.

Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.

The reactions after the game were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.

The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.

The English and French Sides Produce a Memorable Match

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.

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

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