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Now that the opening salvo of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the games.

Gallic supremacy has been the narrative in recent years, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the opening round included a number of impressive wins from potential rivals.

Bordeaux Look Set to Retain Their Crown

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were a class apart in Europe the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the showpiece.

Currently sitting sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this year. However, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of achieving back-to-back titles with a high-scoring away victory in South Africa.

Handed a challenging fixture at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side including internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.

But, true to their champion status, they displayed their class in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the halftime.

France international phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any side with that pair on the edges stands a good chance against any competition.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of Challenging for the Title

Bath's only triumph in Europe came almost three decades ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have arguably not been better equipped to add a second star.

The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be aiming to translate that form into the Champions Cup – especially after a surprise group-stage exit last year.

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

They combine offensive flair – earning the bonus point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with defensive steel, holding their opponents at a distance when they threatened a dramatic comeback.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the squad, they are surely genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's key result in the pools the previous year occurred in the next fixture, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a rotated team.

Having secured a league trophy to their name and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Hand Sale a Major Blow

There are strong teams everywhere you look, but their section seems destined to be one of the most competitive.

In the tournament's current format, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's triumph at an opponent's ground at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.

The Scottish side were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries during the beginning of the second half gave them a valuable maximum haul.

With this result, they gave their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, dealt a hefty blow to their opponents.

With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 conquerors of the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, sharing the group, we can expect many thrilling contests.

And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in years to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for Scottish rugby.

Is Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Quest?

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

Yet in recent campaigns it has not worked out, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Runners-up 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 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was hoped that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were surprised and experienced a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the last four.

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

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

Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge

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 was able to progress out of the pool phase, with plenty of rotated sides selected.

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

The reactions after the game were encouraging too, with individuals involved speaking of their aspirations, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the first match.

The Stormers appear the strongest candidate for a team from South Africa to progress far in the tournament, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet formidable opponents respectively.

Saints and Pau Serve Up a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for game of the weekend, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was among the best.

Pau have been experiencing a outstanding season, spearheaded by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and former Wasps scrum-half Dan Robson.

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