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With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we examine the major talking points emerging from the games.

French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the last five champions all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the initial stage included a number of statement victories from emerging rivals.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back

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

Positioned sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their chances of defending the accomplishment this season. However, in the first round, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are well-positioned of securing another trophy with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Given a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a powerful Bulls side boasting internationals like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.

However, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, fighting back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls scoreless after the break.

France international phenoms Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey were among the try-scorers. Any outfit with those two on the edges is a threat against any opponent.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's lone victory in this competition was almost three decades ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to secure another title.

The current English champions are top of the pile domestically after six games and will be looking to transfer that success into continental competition – particularly following a unexpected elimination the previous season.

Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are third in the United Rugby Championship.

They marry creative spark – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, restraining their guests at a distance when they attempted a late rally.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer in the half-backs and strength in depth throughout the squad, they have to be considered credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the initial phase the previous year came in the next fixture, an heartbreaking 22-21 loss at Benetton with a squad players.

Having secured a Premiership title to their name and setting the pace in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Hand Sale a Significant Setback

You will find powerful sides everywhere you look, but Pool One looks set to be one of the most competitive.

In the existing pool system, a lot is made about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just prove crucial.

The Scottish side were two scores behind after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a all-important maximum haul.

By achieving this, they handed their prospects of qualification a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to their opponents.

With Toulouse – dominant 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who brushed aside Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.

And as for Glasgow's traditional foes Edinburgh? They delivered one of their finest displays in Europe in a long time to stun heavyweights Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for Scottish rugby.

Will Ioane Be the Final Piece of the Leinster Puzzle?

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

But in recent seasons it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Beaten finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat last season after following up a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the round of 16 with a 52-0 destruction over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was believed that Kiwi international Jordie Barrett would be the missing ingredient to win the championship, but they were ambushed and endured a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi.

This year they are bringing in another Kiwi, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Look Prepared to Challenge

Since the South African sides became part of the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the best performance by any of them is the quarter-finals, and in the last campaign no South African side managed to make it out of the pool phase, with several rotated sides selected.

Will this be the campaign that turns around? 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 words from players and coaches were positive too, with individuals involved expressing their ambition, and the likes of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the first match.

The Stormers seem the best bet for a SA franchise to go deep into the competition, but do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated this weekend but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest

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

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

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