The Otago Daily Times counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.
No 80: Ranfurly Shield anguish (1994)
Otago had won 56-25 at Carisbrook earlier in the season and hopes were high it was about to end a 37-year shield drought.
They seemed justified as Otago led almost throughout and scored three tries (to Stu Forster, Stephen Bachop and Jamie Joseph) to two.
Jeff Wilson twice struck the uprights with kicks. No-one thought much about it at the time but, in the final analysis, the five missed points proved crucial.
Two minutes from the end, referee Colin Hawke penalised Otago captain David Latta at a ruck and Andrew Mehrtens kicked the simple penalty which enabled the shield to remain in Christchurch.
There was pandemonium among the Canterbury fans in the crowd of more than 40,000 at Lancaster Park but, when Hawke blew his final whistle, Dunedin fell silent.
The mayoral parade, pencilled in for the Monday, had to be cancelled.
Latta lay flat on his back, his hands clasped to his head in anguish, as Hawke penalised him. He felt sick and all Otago felt sick with him.
