The Highlanders, wearing high vis jerseys resembling road workers, looked to have stolen victory at the death.
But in a contentious decision, Tevita Nabura's second try in the corner was eventually ruled out, despite being originally awarded, allowing the Chiefs to start the defence of their title with a 17-12 win.
Should Tim Nanai-Williams continue his magic early touches, the Chiefs should be well in contention.
In their first match the Crusaders, last year's beaten finalists, thrashed the Hurricanes 22-0 in a clinical performance.
The Crusaders scored two tries while Jackson Garden-Bachop was in the bin for an attempted intercept, and never looked like being run down. The Super Rugby champions led 17-0 at the break and kicked away for a comfortable win.
With firepower in the form of Jone Macilai and George Bridge complementing drive over tries, the Crusaders boast weapons capable of taking them all the way.
Fielding an experienced team led by Julian Savea, the Hurricanes consistently made errors and never really fired a shot. It was a disjointed, bumbling team effort.
Of the other contenders, the Waratahs and Henry Speight's Brumbies, who took down Fiji 17-12 in a tight tussle, appear the best of Australian teams.
Robbie Deans' Panasonic Wild Knights, just as they did in year one, again showed spirit to comeback from 17 points down to roll the Rebels, 19-17.
The presence of seven former All Blacks failed to inspire Pau, who may still be suffering climate shock with snow back home. Despite Conrad Smith's best efforts, the French club were flogged 31-10 in their opening match by the Waratahs.
Organisers will be hopeful more than day one's 10,000 to 15,000 turn up for the finals.
