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With the initial matches of the new season's Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the games.

Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the initial stage showcased several statement victories from potential challengers.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Defend Their Title

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.

Lying sixth in the French league, some have suggested about their chances of defending the feat now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.

However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.

France international machines Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's lone victory in the Champions Cup came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.

The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the United Rugby Championship.

They combine offensive flair – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a continental title since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.

Having secured a Premiership title under their belt and leading in England once more, Van Graan might decide to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback

You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but their section appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just prove crucial.

The Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious bonus-point win.

By achieving this, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, handed a significant setback to their opponents.

With the red and blacks – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect high-stakes drama.

And what of Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.

Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?

When considering a contender you would predict to be in the mix at the business end of the season in Europe, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have promised much but fallen short. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites a year ago after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 demolition over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was believed that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to win the championship, but they were ambushed and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi.

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

Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Seem Prepared to Challenge

Since the South African sides joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the last eight, and last year none of them succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several weakened teams selected.

Could this be the season that turns around? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on the opening night.

The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their aspirations, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.

Northampton and Pau Produce a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was a leading candidate.

Pau have been enjoying a brilliant season, spearheaded by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

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