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With the initial matches of the latest Champions Cup concluded, we explore the major talking points highlighted by the weekend's action.

French dominance has ruled the roost in recent seasons, with the previous five victors all calling home France's top flight. Yet, the first weekend showcased a number of impressive wins from emerging contenders.

Bordeaux Appear Primed to Go Back-to-Back

Reigning title-holders Bordeaux Begles were imperious in the competition the previous campaign, dismantling Toulouse in the semi-final and subsequently Northampton in the grand finale.

Currently sitting sixth in the Top 14, doubts have been raised about their ability to repeat the title now. But, in their opener, Bordeaux sent a message that they are well-positioned of securing consecutive championships with a points-laden away victory in South Africa.

Handed a challenging fixture at the Bulls' fortress against a strong Bulls side boasting talents like Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, and Canan Moodie, they were behind 33-22 at half-time.

However, as champions do, they showed their quality in the second period, storming back to claim a 46-33 victory – shutting out the Bulls to zero after the halftime.

Les Bleus stars aces Damian Penaud and global award contender Louis Bielle-Biarrey both got on the scoresheet. Any outfit with that pair on the flanks stands a good chance against any competition.

Impressive Bath Look Capable of Going the Distance

Bath's sole success in this competition dates back almost a generation ago. In the years since, they have probably never been better equipped to add a second star.

The reigning domestic title-holders are setting the pace at home after six games and will be hoping to carry that momentum into continental competition – on the back of a shocking early departure in the last campaign.

Johann van Graan's men looked a very complete and composed outfit in their 40-14 win over Munster, who are highly placed in the URC.

They blend offensive flair – securing the extra point within 20 minutes at the Rec – with tough tackling, holding their opponents at bay when they looked like mounting a late rally.

With the likes of Finn Russell and Ben Spencer directing play and a deep squad throughout the roster, they are surely credible threats for a first European trophy since 1998.

Bath's defining match in the pools last season occurred in the second round, an agonising 22-21 defeat at Benetton with a changed side.

After winning a domestic championship in their history and leading in England once more, Van Graan may feel able to put a heightened focus on the Champions Cup this year.

Glasgow Give Sale a Major Blow

You will find strong teams throughout the draw, but their section looks set to be one of the tightest.

In the existing pool system, 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 Scottish side were trailing by 14 points after 20 minutes but came back strongly, and two tries early in the second half gave them a precious five points.

In doing so, they handed their chances of progressing a major lift and, conversely, handed a damaging defeat to their opponents.

With Toulouse – imperious 56-19 victors over the Sharks – and Saracens, who comfortably defeated Clermont, in the same section, we can expect many thrilling contests.

And as for Glasgow's old rivals Edinburgh? They turned in one of their top continental showings in recent memory to surprise three-time winners Toulon 33-20, on a successful weekend for the Scottish game.

Is Ioane the Key Addition of the Leinster Quest?

When considering a contender you would predict to be there or thereabouts at the later stages of the Champions Cup, it would be European giants Leinster.

However in recent campaigns it hasn't gone to plan, as they have shown great potential but delivered little. Runners-up three years in a row between 2022-24, they looked overwhelming favourites the previous campaign after following up a 62-0 thrashing 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 missing ingredient to take them over the line, but they were surprised and suffered a stunning upset to Northampton Saints in the semi-final.

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

Will Ioane prove to bring the trophy back to Ireland for the first time since 2018?

Stormers Appear Equipped to Compete

Ever since the teams from South Africa became part of 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 several weakened teams used.

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

The post-match comments were promising too, with the squad and staff speaking of their ambition, and the caliber of South African internationals Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and Damian Willemse absent for the round-one win.

The Stormers seem the most likely contender for a South African side to go deep into the tournament, although write off the Sharks and Bulls, who each suffered defeat in their first games but did meet the French powerhouses respectively.

Saints and Pau Deliver a Memorable Match

There were multiple possibilities for best fixture, and the Northampton vs. Pau game was right up there.

Pau have been experiencing a brilliant campaign, led by Argentine internationals Julian Montoya and Facundo Isa and ex-England half-back Dan Robson.

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