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Following the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup in the books, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the games.

French dominance has defined the competition in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all hailing from France's Top 14. But, the first weekend included several convincing performances from emerging contenders.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown

Defending champions Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and then Northampton in the grand finale.

Lying sixth in the domestic standings, some have suggested about their chances of defending the title now. Yet, in the first round, Bordeaux sent a message that they are more than capable of winning back-to-back titles with a free-flowing win on the road in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie 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 interval.

But, true to their champion status, they unleashed their power in the second half, roaring back to seal a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls without a point after the break.

Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any side with such firepower on the edges has a chance against whoever they face.

Powerful Bath Seem Poised of A Deep Run

Bath's sole success in this competition was almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been better equipped to win it again.

The defending English Premiership champions are leading the way at home after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – particularly following a shocking early departure the previous season.

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

They blend attacking verve – earning the bonus point inside 20 minutes at the Rec – with resolute defending, keeping their opponents at arm's length when they looked like mounting a fightback.

With stars such as Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and quality reserves throughout the squad, they have to be considered serious contenders for a first European trophy since 1998.

Bath's key result in the group stage the previous year came in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a squad players.

Now with a Premiership title to their name and leading in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow

There are quality outfits in every pool, but Pool One appears poised to be one of the tightest.

In the tournament's current format, a lot is said about winning your home games, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just be pivotal.

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 all-important maximum haul.

By achieving this, they handed their hopes of advancing a positive start and, conversely, handed a significant setback to the Sharks.

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

And as for Glasgow's Scottish counterparts Edinburgh? They delivered one of their best European performances in recent memory to surprise former champions Toulon 33-20, on a fine weekend for Scottish rugby.

Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?

Should you pick one side you would expect to be challenging at the later stages of the season in Europe, it would be European giants Leinster.

However in recent seasons it has ended in disappointment, as they have promised much but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked heavy favourites last season after building on a 62-0 rout of Harlequins in the last 16 with a 52-0 win over Glasgow in the quarter-final.

It was believed that New Zealand full-back Jordie Barrett would be the key player to secure the title, but they were caught out 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 claimed a try assist on his debut in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

Could Ioane be the player to return the cup to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Appear Prepared to Challenge

From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the furthest any of their teams have got is the quarter-finals, and last year no South African side succeeded in getting out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides used.

Could this be the season that is different? The Stormers are first in the URC and began 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 the squad and staff talking about their ambition, and the caliber of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse not involved for the opening victory.

The Stormers look the best bet for a SA franchise to have a long run in the competition, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in their first games but did meet Toulouse and Bordeaux respectively.

The English and French Sides Serve Up a Thrilling Contest

There were several candidates for match of the round, and that clash was a leading candidate.

Pau have been enjoying a outstanding campaign, spearheaded by Pumas Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and veteran playmaker Dan Robson.

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