In a different way, there was Nathan Astle's thunderous 222 against England, in Christchurch in 2002, which gave New Zealand just a glimmer of perhaps the most improbable of all test victories - chasing 550 but still falling 98 short.
But to defy the opposition for hour upon hour to save a test, or series, has a distinctive resonance for New Zealand.
Maybe it's because New Zealand have spent much of a test career of 84 years as perennial battlers trying to prove themselves worthy of greater recognition from the heavyweights.
For some periods, notably in the 1980s, they were as good as any team in the game. But mostly, when it has come to playing the game's heavyweights, it has been about making a statement. So those partnerships which stare down the odds have a cherished place.
Of the five listed in the panel on the right, four were about preventing defeat; only Jeremy Coney and Ewen Chatfield, with their unlikely stand in Dunedin, resulted in a victory.
Being effectively six for five at stumps on Sunday night wasn't exactly promising. And that's why this deserves all the accolades flying McCullum and Watling's way. There were buckets of resolve, concentration, strong minds and technique.
One of New Zealand's finest days, for sure. After all, there's a series on the line against a genuine heavyweight, and a chance to end a summer of considerable achievement in the best possible manner.
Five great saves
467 Martin Crowe/Andrew Jones, v Sri Lanka, Basin Reserve, 1991
New Zealand's highest stand, and could be seen as a test-saver. They came together at 148 for two, still trailing by 175. Crowe's 299 remains New Zealand's highest individual test score.
88 Mark Greatbatch/Martin Snedden, v Australia, Perth, 1989
New Zealand began their second innings 290 behind, and when this pair met in the middle it was 234 for seven. They battled 3h 22min to save the test. Greatbatch's 146 not out took 10h 55min, one of the great salvage jobs. Snedden was on 33 at the finish, over 3h 22min and off 142 balls.
65 Ken Wadsworth/Bruce Taylor, v West Indies, Trinidad 1972
Fifth test of an all-drawn rubber and New Zealand were 188 for seven, with no hope of making 401 to win. Wadsworth and Taylor spent 106 minutes ensuring the series was not lost. Taylor was 42 and Wadsworth 40 at end.
96 Mark Burgess/Bob Cunis, v Pakistan, Dhaka, 1969
An heroic ninth wicket stand, which saved the test and enabled New Zealand to win their first series away from home. At 101 for eight, New Zealand led by just 84, but Burgess kept the runs coming and found a stubborn partner in Cunis, whose 23 in 109 minutes saved the match. Burgess finished on 119.
50 Jeremy Coney/Ewen Chatfield, v Pakistan, Dunedin, 1985
At 228-8 chasing 278 to complete a 2-0 series win - and Lance Cairns retired hurt - things were grim. But the pair clung on before a highly improbable match was won. Coney made 111 and unlikely hero Chatfield 21, after 104 minutes and 84 balls.
