Both sides played expansive and entertaining rugby despite the sweltering conditions.
A 26-12 half-time lead probably flattered the home side but, as the game wore on, the Bravehearts' superior conditioning allowed the side to run away with the victory.
Sydney University, an amateur side from the Sydney Shute Shield, showed a willingness to offload and run the ball from anywhere on the field.
Like the best Australian teams of old, it was inventive with the ball and played the game at pace.
But the Bravehearts forwards were dominant all game, and won the majority of the collisions.
When the home team stuck to its systems, the Australian side could not match the power and structure of the Bravehearts ball carriers.
As the game wore on, the Bravehearts backs came into their own, wingers Isaac Te Tamaki and Kirisi Kuridrani both scoring doubles.
The team was made up of a mixture of Highlanders players not required to travel with the side to South Africa and a handful of promising players.
In the forwards, Sione Misiloi had a good return home to Oamaru.
His leg drive and aggression put the Bravehearts on the front foot and he had able support from Zane Kapeli and Josh Hill.
First-five George Witana, who is yet to feature at Mitre 10 cup level, looked composed.
Outside him, Ray Nu'u put his hand up for higher honours with several strong carries, and Michael Manson, in his first year out of school, showed he has a bright future.