Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union president Blair Furlong knew exactly how Magpies first five-eighth Ihaia West was feeling during the final minutes of Saturday night's nailbiter.
Former All Black and Magpies first five-eighth Furlong was the bloke who kicked a dropped goal to secure a 12-all draw with Wellington during the final seconds of the final defence of the 1967 season.
"But at least Ihaia wasn't arguing with his second five-eighth about what to do. Ian [MacRae] was telling me to take the droppie and I was telling him to go for the try because I had failed with a droppie attempt in 1963," Furlong explained after he yelled "never in doubt" when congratulating the Magpies on their success in their changing room on Saturday night.
Furlong pointed out Saturday night's performance was similar to the 1967 match against Wellington with both teams not performing well.
"It all came down to the end and Ihaia pulled the cat out of the bag. He's taken my place in the record books now and he deserves it," Furlong added.