Around 28,000 in St James' Park to watch the warm up match prior to today's Champions Cup were treated to a rare feast of open, shackles off rugby from two decent sides. Pockets of yellow within the stadium making plenty of noise, with a vast mix of other fans both from England and beyond.
The rugby was not always accurate but the occassional bouncing ball created excitement and unpredictability.
The better, more clinical side won although La Rochelle did threaten a comeback with 12 minutes to go.
In the midst of all the Gallic adventure 3 (well actually 6) musketeers from these shores, led superbly by Wayne Barnes. His last European game could not have been better. An odd scrum penalty aside he managed the contest perfectly supported by Matt Carley and Luke Pearce, with an odd prompt by Rowan Kitt (TMO)
Virtually every player shook his hand at the end, many of the coaching staff too. The hugs he received from his 2 assistants were touching. A fitting end to this part of his career.
And so later to Leinster vs Saracens and Mr Garces