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Following the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the primary lessons stemming from the games.

Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in the past few campaigns, with the last five champions all hailing from France's elite division. Yet, the opening round included multiple statement victories from potential challengers.

Bordeaux Look Set to Go Back-to-Back

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the showpiece.

Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their ability to repeat the feat this year. But, in round one, Bordeaux sent a message that they are fully equipped of securing consecutive championships with a free-flowing away victory in South Africa.

Handed a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at half-time.

Yet, true to their champion status, they showed their quality in the second half, roaring back to secure 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 were among the try-scorers. Any side with such firepower on the edges is a threat against whoever they face.

Formidable Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to carry that momentum into Europe – particularly following a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are highly placed in the United Rugby Championship.

They marry attacking verve – securing the bonus point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth throughout the roster, they have to be considered genuine challengers for a first European trophy since 1998.

Bath's defining match in the group stage a year ago came in the second round, an narrow 22-21 setback at Benetton with a squad players.

After winning a domestic championship to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan could be inclined to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow

The tournament contains powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.

The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a all-important bonus-point win.

By achieving this, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, in turn, handed a significant setback to Sale.

With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we are likely to see many thrilling contests.

And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to surprise heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for the Scottish game.

Could Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?

When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the sharp end of the continental campaign, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

Yet in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have been favourites but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 win 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 surprised and endured a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to secure European glory to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up

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 succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with several squads not at full strength selected.

Is this the year that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and kicked off their European campaign with a 26-17 victory on the road at Bayonne on Friday.

The words from players and coaches were promising too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the players such as South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the round-one win.

The Stormers look the strongest candidate for a South African side to have a long run in the event, but don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost this weekend but did face the French powerhouses respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.

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

They are presently runner-up in the Top 14 and the crowd was raucous at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's