Australian Rugby Union chief executive Gary Flowers says the figures, which saw more than 37,000 pack Subiaco Oval for the Western Force's debut and a shade under 39,000 for the Reds v Waratahs grudge match in Brisbane, broke the Australian round one record of 2005, spread over three matches.
RUGBYeNEWS.com reports that the smallest crowds of the weekend were in South Africa, with 26,512 at the Sharks v Chiefs clash at Durban's Absa Stadium.
The Blues also attracted a crowd of more than 35,000 to New Zealand's Eden Park.
Some thought the earlier start to the competition would reduce attendances.
