The Brumbies looked to be heading for victory following a Folau Fainga'a hat-trick, but they were unable to hold off the Highlanders.
Andrew Kellaway scored two tries against his former club, the Waratahs, to give the Rebels a valuable win in Melbourne.
The Stormers held their opposition scoreless again to make it two wins from two in Super Rugby.
After the Chiefs came back to defeat the Crusaders in Hamilton, the Blues overpowered the Waratahs and claimed a bonus point.
Irae Simone set the ball rolling for the battling Brumbies in a fine win over the Rebels, while the Sharks dazzled against the Highlanders.
Mark Keohane reflects on the first weekend of Super Rugby and Six Nations. My return is: four from seven in Super Rugby and three from three...
Runners-up last season, the Jaguares ran away with a comfortable win over the Lions.
Super Rugby champions the Crusaders proved their class with an opening win, while the Rebels slumped to a poor loss in Japan.
The Sharks ended a poor recent run against the Bulls with a 23-15 win over their South African rivals in Friday's Super Rugby clash.
Warren Gatland rung the changes with the Chiefs behind and was rewarded with victory, while the Brumbies also triumphed.
The Money Man, Mark Keohane and James Dalton all back the Stormers to win the South African conference this season. They also make their picks for...
The Waratahs have a new skipper in place ahead of their season opener against the Crusdaers on February 1.
Super Rugby team the Stormers received financial support from a corporate partner to sign Jamie Roberts from Bath.
Jack Maddocks has returned to New South Wales to join the Waratahs after three seasons with the Rebels.
With hazardous air quality in Canberra, the Brumbies have temporarily relocated to Newcastle.