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Now that the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the key revelations highlighted by the weekend's action.

French dominance has ruled the roost in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's elite division. However, the first weekend included multiple convincing performances from potential contenders.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Go Back-to-Back

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition a year ago, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.

Positioned sixth in the Top 14, some have suggested about their capacity to retain the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving another trophy with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.

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

Yet, as champions do, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the halftime.

France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.

The current English champions are top of the pile in the league after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's team looked a highly composed and balanced unit in their 40-14 victory against Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.

They marry attacking verve – earning the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at bay when they looked like mounting a fightback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the roster, they must be viewed as serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the pools the previous year occurred in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.

Having secured a domestic championship to their name and top domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow

You will find quality outfits everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most fiercely contested.

In the tournament's current format, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the opening night might just be pivotal.

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

With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a positive start and, in turn, inflicted a damaging defeat to the Sharks.

With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, also in the pool, we should be in for high-stakes drama.

And regarding Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their best European performances in a long time to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.

Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Jigsaw?

When considering a contender you would predict to be challenging at the sharp end of the Champions Cup, it would be multiple champions Leinster.

Yet in the last few years it has not worked out, as they have promised much but fallen short. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites the previous campaign 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 Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were surprised and endured a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

Now they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a try assist on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 win over Harlequins.

Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete

From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the last eight, and the previous season none of them was able to progress out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.

Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and began their European campaign with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.

The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of stars Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers appear the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to go deep into the event, yet don't count out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest

There were several candidates for best fixture, and this one was among the best.

Pau have been having a superb season, guided by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.

They are presently second in the Top 14 and the atmosphere was electric at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's