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Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the fixtures.

Gallic supremacy has defined the competition in recent years, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage featured a number of convincing performances from potential contenders.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Retain Their Crown

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.

Positioned sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title now. But, in the first round, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a strong Bulls side including stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the break.

However, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to secure a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls without a point after the halftime.

Les Bleus stars machines Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with those two on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.

Impressive Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in Europe came almost 30 years ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the URC.

They combine offensive flair – sealing the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their visitors at a distance when they threatened a fightback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's key result in the initial phase a year ago was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.

After winning a league trophy to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start

The tournament contains quality outfits throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.

The Glasgow Warriors were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.

With this result, they provided their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, conversely, inflicted a damaging defeat to their opponents.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect high-stakes drama.

And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their top continental showings in years to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.

Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Puzzle?

Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.

But in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat the previous campaign after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the key player to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the last four.

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

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

Stormers Look Ready to Step Up

Ever since the teams from South Africa entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of weakened teams used.

Is this the year that is different? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on Friday.

The words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their aspirations, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.

The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was a leading candidate.

Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.

They are currently runner-up in the French championship and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's