Leaders Exeter Chiefs resumed the season with a win over Leicester Tigers, while Bristol left it late to down Saracens.
The Reds came from behind to claim a bonus-point victory against a wasteful Rebels in Saturday's Super Rugby AU clash.
Marcus Smith caught the eye and mid-table Harlequins scored a narrow win over Sale Sharks as top-flight rugby union resumed in England.
The Waratahs secured back-to-back Super Rugby wins for the first time in almost a year and a half on the Gold Coast.
Trailing at half-time, the Crusaders overcame the Highlanders to dodge a make-or-break date with the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The Waratahs scored 38 points without reply in the first half as they cut loose in the rain to thrash the Reds in Sydney.
The Brumbies came unstuck in the rain at Leichhardt Oval, where the Rebels scored four first-half tries.
Sunday's bonus-point win at Forsyth-Barr Stadium moved the Blues to 22 points, just two points adrift of Super Rugby leaders the Crusaders.
The Brumbies were victorious once again in Super Rugby AU, though left it late to see off the Reds in Canberra.
The Chiefs were unable to mark Aaron Cruden's 100th appearance with a victory as the Crusaders bounced back from losing to the Hurricanes.
After the scores were deadlocked at 20-20 after 80 minutes, Isi Naisarani's try sealed victory for the Rebels against Western Force.
All Blacks star Beauden Barrett impressed as the Blues withstood the Chiefs to end their run of back-to-back losses.
The Brumbies are the only team to have won every Super AU game after they were too strong for the Western Force.
A pulsating Super Rugby Aotearoa clash saw the Hurricanes survive a second-half onslaught to stun the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Waratahs have been struggling to find form and a resounding defeat to the Rebels also came with an injury setback for their captain.
Sio Tomkinson's late try saw the Highlanders edge the Chiefs in a thriller.