 Laurie Mains had returned from South Africa to coach Otago in the 2001 National Provincial Championship ( NPC ) , and was appointed the Highlanders coach for 2002 . Their season started with a narrow 30 – 28 loss to the Crusaders at Jade Stadium . That year the Highlanders also achieved a win over all four South African teams . The Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy was also introduced that season to be contested between the Highlanders and Blues . Gordon Hunter had coached both teams before dying from cancer in 2001 . The match was played at Eden Park , and the Highlanders were ahead 15 – 3 at half time , and eventually won 20 – 13 . Their last home match of the season was against the Reds at Carisbrook . The Highlanders ' 40 – 26 win meant that they had gone three seasons undefeated at Carisbrook . The Highlanders finished fourth and played the Crusaders in Christchurch where they lost 34 – 23 , although Jeff Wilson did score a try in his last match for the franchise . 
