"Oh my gosh I was so proud, I was videoing away as the players went out on to the pitch and then my friend bumped me saying 'oh my gosh your son is leading'. I was shocked."
Ms West took the time to soak up the atmosphere and relish the moment.
"It was amazing and came as a complete surprise. I think what he has just done is the ultimate for rugby considering he has just come back from injury."
The Magpies first five took to the field in the second half and after receiving an offload from Sonny Bill Williams set off for the posts and dived over the line.
It was the final try of the game and took the Blues to a win of 22-16.
Ihaia's uncle, Henare O'Keefe, who was watching it from the television in his living room, said he was "fantastic".
"I had tears in my eyes when he crossed the line. I am so pleased for him he is such a humble boy who works really hard."
Mr O'Keefe told Ms West to relax before the game as Ihaia "was doing what he's born to do".
The haka, He Toa Takitini (The Strength of Many), was composed by Whiria Meltzer and Ruka Makiha, two friends called upon by Blues coach Tana Umaga.
The traditional Maori war dance acknowledged those players who had previously represented the Blues and paid tribute to winger Jonah Lomu and lock Kurtis Haiu, who lost his life to cancer last year.
Mr Meltzer said it was about encouraging young men to strive for excellence and never waver from a challenge.
"We shall strive on and endure to the very end. We will lay the challenge and never back down," Mr Meltzer said.
This was the last game Ms West was able to watch live for the 2017 season before Ihaia heads back down to the Bay to start his Magpies campaign.
"He loves coming back home and playing for the province as he is such a loyal boy."
"What a way for me to watch my last live game for the season, I couldn't have asked for a better way to finish."
