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Following the first round of the new season's Champions Cup in the books, we explore the primary lessons emerging from the games.

French dominance has been the narrative in recent years, with the past five winners all calling home France's elite division. However, the initial stage included a number of impressive wins from new contenders.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Retain Their Crown

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were utterly dominant in Europe a year ago, overpowering Toulouse in the last four and subsequently Northampton in the final.

Lying sixth in the domestic standings, doubts have been raised about their capacity to retain the accomplishment this season. But, in round one, Bordeaux issued a reminder that they are fully equipped of securing another trophy with a points-laden win on the road in South Africa.

Faced with a difficult tie at a hostile venue against a formidable Bulls side boasting stars 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 showed their quality in the final 40 minutes, storming back to seal a 46-33 victory – keeping the Bulls without a point after the halftime.

French try-scoring phenoms Damian Penaud and World Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey each crossed the try-line. Any outfit with that pair on the wings is a threat against any opponent.

Powerful Bath Look Capable of A Deep Run

Bath's only triumph in Europe dates back almost a generation ago. Since that time, they have arguably not been more prepared to win it again.

The current English champions are setting the pace domestically after six games and will be hoping to translate that form into Europe – especially after a surprise group-stage exit in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's side looked a very complete and balanced unit in their 40-14 defeat of Munster, who are highly placed in the Celtic league.

They marry offensive flair – sealing the extra point in under 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their guests at arm's length when they attempted a fightback.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer pulling the strings and strength in depth across the team, they are surely credible threats for a maiden Champions Cup since 1998.

Bath's key result in the group stage last season was in the second round, an heartbreaking 22-21 setback at Benetton with a rotated team.

After winning a domestic championship to their name and top in England once more, Van Graan could be inclined to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup now.

Glasgow Deal Sale a Tough Start

There are powerful sides throughout the draw, but the first group looks set to be one of the most competitive.

In the competition's present structure, a lot is made about victories on your own turf, which is why Glasgow's win on the road at Sale on Friday evening might just turn out to be vital.

The Glasgow Warriors were 14-0 down after 20 minutes but fought back impressively, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious maximum haul.

With this result, they provided their hopes of advancing a major lift and, in turn, inflicted a hefty blow to the Sharks.

With the red and blacks – commanding 56-19 winners against the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, also in the pool, we can expect plenty of fireworks.

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

Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?

If there's one team you would predict to be in the mix at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.

However in the last few years it has ended in disappointment, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Finalists three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked the team to beat a year ago after building on a 62-0 mauling of Harlequins in the round of 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 final piece to take them over the line, but they were caught out and suffered a shock loss to Northampton Saints in the semi.

Now they are trying the All Black experiment again, this time with Rieko Ioane, who provided a key pass on his bow in Saturday's 45-28 success against Harlequins.

Is Ioane the man to secure European glory to Ireland for the first occasion since 2018?

Stormers Seem Ready to Step Up

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 not a single one was able to progress out of the pool phase, with often rotated sides used.

Could this be the season that changes? The Stormers are leading the URC and kicked off their continental journey with a 26-17 away win at Bayonne on Friday.

The post-match comments were positive too, with players and coaches talking about their ambition, and the players such as Springboks Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the opening victory.

The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a team from South Africa to have a long run in the event, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat this weekend but did play formidable opponents respectively.

Saints and Pau Serve Up a Classic Encounter

There were a few contenders for best fixture, and this one was a leading candidate.

Pau have been having a superb season, led by stars Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.

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