Hawke's Bay will meet Bay of Plenty in the final of the Mitre 10 Cup Championship, after a 44-39 semi-final victory over Otago in Napier this afternoon.
With scores locked at 31-31 after 80 minutes, extra time was needed to settle the high scoring thriller.
A penalty to first-five Josh Ioane gave Otago a brief lead in extra-time, before Hawke's Bay hit back with a try to winger Mason Emerson.
Another penalty, this time to Hawke's Bay's Tiaan Falcon saw the hosts take a 41-34 lead, only for Otago to hit back with a try to Mikaele Mafi.
Appearing to have suffered an injury though, Ioane's effort was wayward, seeing Otago trail 41-39 going into the final moments.
One final penalty to Falcon all but sealed the result, Hawke's Bay holding their nerve to earn a shot at promotion to the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership in next weekend's final.
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