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Following the opening salvo of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we examine the major talking points highlighted by the games.

Top 14 superiority has been the narrative in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all representing France's top flight. But, the initial stage showcased a number of statement victories from potential rivals.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in the competition the previous campaign, dominating Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the final.

Currently sitting sixth in the French league, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the feat now. However, in their opener, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing back-to-back titles with a free-flowing triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at the break.

However, as champions do, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – holding the Bulls scoreless after the break.

France international aces Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the flanks stands a good chance against any opponent.

Formidable Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title

Bath's only triumph in Europe was almost a generation ago. Throughout the ensuing period, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.

The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way domestically after six games and will be aiming to transfer that success into continental competition – especially after a unexpected elimination the previous season.

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

They marry offensive flair – earning the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at a distance when they looked like mounting a late rally.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and quality reserves across the roster, they must be viewed as genuine challengers for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the group stage last season came in the following week, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a changed side.

After winning a domestic championship in their history and top the home league, Van Graan could be inclined to concentrate more effort on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Major Blow

The tournament contains powerful sides in every pool, but the first group seems destined to be one of the tightest.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is said about securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's away victory at Sale on the opening night might just turn out to be vital.

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

With this result, they handed their prospects of qualification a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a damaging defeat to their opponents.

With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect high-stakes drama.

And what of Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a excellent weekend for the Scottish game.

Is Ioane the Final Piece of the Leinster Jigsaw?

When considering a contender you would expect to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have been favourites but fallen short. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was hoped that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.

This season they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who claimed a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

Is Ioane the man to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Look Ready to Step Up

From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season none of them succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often squads not at full strength used.

Will this be the campaign that changes? The Stormers are first in the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.

The words from players and coaches were positive too, with players and coaches speaking of their aspirations, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.

The Stormers seem the best bet for a team from South Africa to progress far in the competition, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in their first games but did play formidable opponents respectively.

The English and French Sides Produce a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and that clash was right up there.

Pau have been having a outstanding campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

They are right now in second place in the French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's