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Now that the first round of the latest Champions Cup wrapped up, we explore the primary lessons stemming from the games.

French dominance has defined the competition in recent years, with the past five winners all representing France's elite division. But, the initial stage featured a number of convincing performances from new challengers.

Bordeaux Seem Ready to Defend Their Title

Current holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in Europe the previous campaign, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and afterwards Northampton in the showpiece.

Currently sitting sixth in the domestic standings, questions have been asked about their capacity to retain the feat this year. Yet, in their opener, Bordeaux served notice that they are well-positioned of winning back-to-back titles with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at Loftus Versfeld against a powerful Bulls side boasting stars like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they went into the break down 33-22 at the interval.

Yet, demonstrating their pedigree, they unleashed their power in the final 40 minutes, roaring back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.

France international phenoms Damian Penaud and star wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with such firepower on the flanks has a chance against whoever they face.

Impressive Bath Seem Poised of Challenging for the Title

Bath's lone victory in this competition came almost three decades ago. Since that time, they have perhaps not been more strongly positioned to win it again.

The current English champions are leading the way in the league after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into the Champions Cup – on the back of a surprise group-stage exit last year.

Johann van Graan's men looked a highly composed and composed outfit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.

They marry creative spark – earning the try-scoring point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, keeping their opponents at a distance when they threatened a fightback.

With players including Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad across the roster, they have to be considered credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.

Bath's pivotal moment in the pools last season was in the second round, an agonising 22-21 loss at Benetton with a rotated team.

After winning a domestic championship in their history and top the home league, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this season.

Glasgow Give Sale a Tough Start

You will find quality outfits throughout the draw, but their section seems destined to be one of the tightest.

In the existing pool system, 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 prove crucial.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second period gave them a precious bonus-point win.

With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, conversely, inflicted a hefty blow to Sale.

With the red and blacks – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who easily overcame Clermont, in the same section, we are likely to see high-stakes drama.

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

Could Ioane the Missing Ingredient of the Leinster Puzzle?

When considering a contender you would fancy to be challenging at the business end of the Champions Cup, it would be four-time winners Leinster.

Yet in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but fallen short. Finalists 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 win over Glasgow in the last eight.

It was hoped that All Black star Jordie Barrett would be the final piece to secure the title, but they were ambushed and suffered a surprise defeat to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

This season they are testing another New Zealand import, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

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

Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up

From the moment the SA franchises joined the Champions Cup in 2022-23, the deepest run achieved is the quarter-finals, and last year none of them managed to make it out of the group stage, with several rotated sides selected.

Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are top of the URC and started their Champions Cup adventure with a 26-17 triumph in France at Bayonne on the opening night.

The reactions after the game were positive too, with the squad and staff expressing their goals, and the likes of Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse unavailable for the first match.

The Stormers look the most likely contender for a South African side to progress far in the event, although do not rule out the Sharks and Bulls, who were defeated in the opening round but did face formidable opponents respectively.

Northampton and Pau Deliver a Thrilling Contest

There were multiple possibilities for match of the round, and this one was among the best.

Pau have been enjoying 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 French league and the stadium was buzzing at the Stade du Hameau|their home ground|Pau's