 The 2003 season started with a 29 – 16 win over the Chiefs in Hamilton . They then defeated the Stormers and Bulls before losing to the Cats in Johannesburg . Their second loss occurred when the Crusaders defeated them 17 – 16 at Carisbrook . The Highlanders had gone three seasons , 2000 , 2001 and 2002 , and 16 games unbeaten at Carisbrook before that loss . The Highlanders then defeated the Blues 22 – 11 to retain the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy . In April that year it was revealed a rift had developed between coach Laurie Mains and some of the senior players in the squad . Anton Oliver was branded the ringleader by Mains , and after their final game of the season Mains resigned and was replaced by his assistant Greg Cooper . 
