 1997 was the least successful season ever for the Highlanders . They finished last in the competition , and managed only three wins . They were now coached by Glenn Ross and captained by Taine Randell . Their eight defeats that season included a 75 – 43 loss to Natal in Durban . The points scored by Natal included 50 points by Gavin Lawless – a competition record . Following their last place in the 1997 season , Tony Gilbert was appointed as coach . Their first game under his guidance was an upset 26 – 19 win over the Queensland Reds . The Highlanders eventually became the first New Zealand side to defeat all four South African teams in one season . After defeating the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld they needed the Queensland Reds not to defeat the Brumbies by a large margin . Queensland were defeated by the Brumbies 23 – 16 and the Highlanders finished fourth , thus qualifying for the semi @-@ finals . In the semi @-@ final , they faced defending champions the Auckland Blues at Eden Park . The Blues were leading 20 – 16 at halftime , and were leading 30 – 26 before a controversial try to Adrian Cashmore pushed the Blues to a 37 – 26 lead . <unk> <unk> had illegally taken out Highlander Stanley off the ball . 
