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Following the first round of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we delve into the key revelations highlighted by the games.

Gallic supremacy has ruled the roost in the past few campaigns, with the past five winners all representing France's top flight. However, the opening round included several convincing performances from emerging rivals.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.

Lying sixth in the French league, questions have been asked about their ability to repeat the accomplishment this season. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden triumph on foreign soil in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at the Bulls' fortress against a powerful Bulls side featuring talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they found themselves trailing 33-22 at half-time.

But, demonstrating their pedigree, they displayed their class in the second half, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls to zero after the break.

France international aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with those two on the edges stands a good chance against whoever they face.

Formidable Bath Appear Equipped of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in Europe dates back almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been better equipped to secure another title.

The reigning domestic title-holders are top of the pile at home after six games and will be looking to carry that momentum into Europe – especially after a shocking early departure the previous season.

Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and polished team in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are among the leaders in the Celtic league.

They marry offensive flair – sealing the extra point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, holding their opponents at bay when they threatened a fightback.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and a deep squad throughout the roster, they are surely serious contenders for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

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

Now with a domestic championship to their name and leading domestically again, Van Graan may feel able to place greater emphasis on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Significant Setback

The tournament contains quality outfits everywhere you look, but the first group looks set to be one of the tightest.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is emphasized regarding securing home wins, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on the first day might just be pivotal.

The team from Scotland were two scores behind after 20 minutes but responded with character, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious maximum haul.

With this result, they handed their chances of progressing a significant early boost and, in turn, dealt a hefty blow to Sale.

With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, sharing the group, we should be in for many thrilling contests.

And what of Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They produced one of their best European performances in years to stun three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for rugby in Scotland.

Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?

Should you pick one side you would fancy to be there or thereabouts at the business end of the continental campaign, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in recent campaigns it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but not won the trophy. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites last season after building on a 62-0 thrashing of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 destruction 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 shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

This season they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a scoring pass on his first appearance in Saturday's 45-28 victory against Harlequins.

Will Ioane prove to return the cup to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Seem Equipped to Compete

From the moment the SA franchises entered the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the last eight, and the previous season no South African side succeeded in getting out of the group stage, with plenty of rotated sides used.

Will this be the campaign that turns around? The Stormers are leading the URC and began their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on the opening night.

The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.

The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a SA franchise to progress far in the competition, yet write off the Sharks and Bulls, who both lost in the opening round but did play formidable opponents respectively.

Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest

There were a few contenders for match of the round, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.

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

They are right now runner-up in the Top 14 and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's