There was no shortage of drama as the Guinness PRO14 returned in style after a 125-day hiatus, with the seven opening bouts introducing a series of intriguing plotlines.

Toyota Cheetahs ran riot in Bloemfontein to see off Glasgow Warriors with a flourish on Friday night, while Ulster defeated Ospreys and Munster overcame the challenge of Dragons.

Isuzu Southern Kings came within a whisker of downing Cardiff Blues, Scarlets edged out Connacht and there were also wins for Leinster and Edinburgh over Benetton and Zebre, respectively.

Such was the frantic pace of the early exchanges, there was hardly time to take breath – so here’s a look at the things you might have missed from Round One of the Guinness PRO14.

SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR CHEETAHS

Despite Glasgow Warriors fielding a much-depleted side due to the ongoing Rugby World Cup, few expected last season’s Guinness PRO14 finalists to lose to Cheetahs.

Dave Rennie’s team were one of only two teams in the Championship to win on both their visits to Bloemfontein, while Cheetahs had never before won their opening game of the season.

But with South Africa hosting the competition’s curtain-raiser for the first time, Cheetahs produced a fitting display as they ran in seven tries to triumph 48-14 at the Toyota Stadium.

With the confidence from their Currie Cup success flowing through their veins, the hosts enjoyed a dream start when returning talisman Ruan Pienaar scored within five minutes.

Pienaar also added 13 points with his boot, while Rhyno Smith and Joseph Dweba grabbed braces, as Cheetahs delivered a performance that suggests they could be a real force this season.

FORTRESS THOMOND REMAINS INTACT

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Munster winning at home.

Munster have not been beaten at Thomond Park in any competition since provincial rivals Leinster were victorious in Limerick in the Guinness PRO14 on St Stephen’s Day 2017.

And that run did not look in danger against Dragons, who themselves had not won on the road since March 2015, with the hosts ultimately running out comfortable 39-9 victors.

A bonus-point success ensured Dean Ryan’s first match as Dragons director of rugby ended in defeat after new fly-half Sam Davies had given the Welsh side an early lead with the boot.

Munster were not the only side who kept up their formidable home record at the weekend, though, with Craig Gilroy inspiring Ulster to their own bonus-point success over Ospreys.

Gilroy’s double on his return from a back injury completed a 38-14 win over the visitors, meaning Ulster have only lost once at Kingspan in any competition since February 2018.

BLUES SUFFER SCARE AT KINGS

Isuzu Southern Kings came out with a point to prove at Port Elizabeth as they looked to banish memories of a forgettable ²⁰¹⁸⁄₁₉ campaign in which they tasted victory just twice.

Demetri Catrakilis made an instant impact on his return as his boot and Tienie Burger’s try put the hosts 13-5 ahead at the break, with Olly Robinson touching down for the visitors.

But Blues found their mojo after the restart and further tries from Liam Belcher, Matthew Morgan, Kristian Dacey and Harri Millard saw the visitors grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

Kings refused to go away, however, and second-half scores from Jacques du Toit and Andell Loubser closed the gap to 31-27 before they mounted a spirited effort for another late try.

The visitors ultimately managed to cling on for victory but not before Kings gave them a real scare – a statement of intent from the South African outfit that they will not be pushovers this season.

NEW MAN MOOAR UP AND RUNNING

Scarlets got new head coach Brad Mooar’s reign off to a perfect start as they overcame Connacht 18-10 despite missing 15 players to international duty for the Rugby World Cup.

With Wayne Pivac set to succeed Warren Gatland, Mooar was handed the responsibility to rejuvenate the hopes of the Welsh region after a rollercoaster ²⁰¹⁸⁄₁₉ campaign.

His opening Guinness PRO14 match in charge was far from eye-catching in dreadful conditions, but all that mattered was the win as Scarlets emerged triumphant in their own backyard.

Steff Evans and Paul Asquith both crossed the whitewash while Dan Jones kicked eight points for the hosts, although Eoghan Masterson’s try meant the result was not safe until the final whistle.

It was a start that will give Mooar plenty of encouragement, especially with many of his star men missing, as he looks to improve on Scarlets’ fourth-place finish in Conference B last season.

MIXED FORTUNES FOR ITALIAN SIDES

Both Italian teams suffered defeats in their opening games of the ²⁰¹⁹⁄₂₀ season, but there were drastically different performances from the men from Benetton and Zebre.

Zebre were on the wrong end of a seven-try rout against Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield, with Mark Bennett scoring a hat-trick in a comprehensive win for Richard Cockerill’s side.

There was a different story in Treviso, though, where Benetton proved a formidable opponent for reigning Guinness PRO14 champions Leinster before they eventually won 32-27.

With a host of players away on international duty, there was little to choose between the two sides as Dave Kearney’s hat-trick and a further score from Adam Byrne got Leinster over the line.

But fresh from reaching the Final Series for the first time last season, Benetton once again highlighted that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the ²⁰¹⁹⁄₂₀ season.