The Waratahs came unstuck as the Jaguares recorded a memorable and confidence-boosting 38-28 win Saturday.
The leaders of the Top 14, Montpellier, thumped their nearest rivals on Saturday, while struggling Oyonnax also claimed an important win.
England needed a bonus-point win in Paris to deny Ireland the Six Nations title, but Eddie Jones' men were beaten 22-16 by France.
The Blues converted a last-minute try against the Lions to snatch their first Super Rugby victory of the season from the jaws of defeat.
Defeat to Racing 92 would have seen Montpellier deposed as Top 14 leaders, but Vern Cotter's men made a statement with a bonus-point win.
England need to beat France and score four tries following Ireland's Six Nations win against Scotland in Dublin.
The Hurricanes' second win of the Super Rugby season saw Beauden Barrett and Ben May reach personal milestones.
Reece Hodge starred as the Rebels raced to yet another big Super Rugby win, seeing off conference rivals Brumbies on Friday.
Ben Botica ensured Oyonnax built on their win at Clermont with another victory that boosted their unlikely Top14 survival bid.
Exeter Chiefs boosted their Premiership title defence with a victory over Saracens that saw the beaten side fall to third in the table.
Montpellier's lead at the summit was cut to three points after they went down at Agen and Racing 92 defeated struggling Brive.
Connacht looked set for a valuable win in Bloemfontein but Niel Marais had other ideas, getting Cheetahs their first victory since January.
Billy Twelvetrees missed a late conversion attempt as Gloucester's comeback bid came up just short in a Premiership thriller.
The Lions were imperious in victory against the Bulls, after the Sharks were held to a draw in a scrappy game against the Waratahs.
Jack Maddocks was the star for the Rebels, as Stormers' poor Super Rugby record against the Crusaders continued.
The Southern Kings scored six tries against Dragons to claim their first Pro14 victory at the 17th time of asking.