For all of the plaudits surrounding the Blues' gallant goal-line stand to secure victory on the dying stages of their clash with the Chiefs last week, there was still plenty of ensuing doubt about its legitimacy.
Camped on their line for the final five minutes against a Chiefs side brimming with momentum, a defensive penalty courtesy of late substitute Josh Goodhue ultimately sealed the win for the hosts.
The Chiefs pleaded with the referees over both a perceived Blues infringement in not releasing the tackled player and the possibility the ball had been grounded for a try, and that conjecture continued post-match.
Ask the man behind the moment and he'll tell you - somewhat predictably - that his play on the ball was completely above board.
"It's hard because you're in the moment," Goodhue tells Newshub. "But from what I felt, he was making a play for the line and he's allowed that one placement forward.
"I obviously wasn't just going to let him put the ball over the line, so I just grabbed the ball and held on to stop the try and the decision came our way."
The blast on the referee's whistle that followed sparked jubilant scenes, in which a beaming Goodhue was the subject of some riotous head and back-patting.
"It was pretty unexplainable in a way. It's a whole lot of emotions running through you at once and the boys just got up and I was stoked," the 25-year-old recalls.
"It was a pretty surreal feeling."
The moment was all the more special in light of a challenging couple of years for Goodhue.
Since starring for both New Zealand secondary schools and U20s sides, the Northlander has been plagued by setbacks that have prevented him finding any rhythm at the professional level.
Goodhue has had ongoing concussion, shoulder and ankle issues, but feels he's now starting to find his stride at the game's next level.
"I've had quite a few injuries over the years and it's probably stopped me from getting to where I wanted to be, so right now, it's just about getting better as a person and as a player."
Incidentally, the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed Goodhue to participate in a Blues campaign that looked to be lost, after he limped from the field all in their week three fixture back in February.
"I was diagnosed as out for six-to-eight weeks. I rehabbed all through lockdown. If COVID hadn't have hit, I wouldn't have played any of the season. So it's a second chance for me."
With the All Blacks short on depth at lock, taking into account Brodie Retallick's sabbatical and Scott Barrett's injury, Goodhue head-spinningly quick graduation to join his twin brother, Jack, in the test arena is well within the realms of possibility.
"Yeah I hear that stuff from my parents," Goodhue laughs. "They're the only ones who really talk. I'll just keep playing how I'm playing.
"I've always prided myself on work rate. I guess that's similar to Brodie in a way. I bring a bit of stuff everywhere, and I'm a good ball-playing lock as well.
"The black jersey would be great but right now it's just about getting better. If it comes, I'd be stoked."
But in more urgent matters is his impending showdown with Highlanders counterpart and good mate Pari Pari Parkinson on Sunday, when some high-stakes bragging rights will be on the line.
"He's a unit. He's a hard man to put on the ground and aerially he's pretty hard to compete with," Goodhue notes.
"But that's what we live for and that's why I love playing the game. To try and get one over him will be awesome."
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