The fantastic possibilities inherent in hosting two "neutral" Rugby World Cup games should now be evident to everyone in Hawke's Bay who took even a passing interest in yesterday's four matches.
Last night I had the privilege of being in attendance at North Harbour Stadium which hosted arguably its most stunning rugby occasion.
Walking to the ground one became aware that English was not the language of choice for many in the near 29,000 strong crowd.
There were red, white and blue flags everywhere, and where they weren't, the rising sun was. It could have been Paris or Tokyo.
The press area was full of unfamiliar faces. Pre-match that "International Man of Rugby", John Kirwan was given a rousing reception by one and all.
As "JK" walked to his seat "ciao" was his greeting to an old Italian friend. But on this day he was the coach of Japan, and they were playing the might of France.
The anthems were thrilling, crowd participation natural and enthusiastic - the four Musketeers in attendance.
While "JK" had made his name across the bridge, outstanding referee Steve Walsh - now domiciled in dry Australia - was on home turf. "Go back to Australia," a wag suggested after an early call.
At halftime France were comfortably ahead 25-11, all of Japan's points coming from former Auckland, Northland, Super rugby and New Zealand Maori first-five James Arlidge.
After the break the French, looking huge in white jerseys, were denied three times in quick succession - twice by the TMO and once by a handling lapse.
Then the script got thrown away. Arlidge broke through for his second try, and with the conversion and a penalty goal a few minutes later he had Japan just four points adrift.
The crowd was going nuts. "Nippon" (pronounced Neepon) was the chant. All Kiwis in attendance were now supporting the Brave Blossoms, which was easy to do given that seven New Zealanders were in their 22-man squad.
But by this time the deeds of wingers Hirotoki Onozawa and Kosuke Endo, halfback Fumiaki Tanaka, captain and flanker Takashi Kikutani, hooker Shota Horie and others meant their names had been checked and rechecked in the programme.
The biggest upset in test history loomed. The French barricades were being blown apart by a 100 miles per hour onslaught.
But a knock-on missed, an inside pass not given, a couple of penalties awarded to France and suddenly the crowd chant was "allez bleus".
Composure returned, Les Tricolores scorched home as the world order decreed, and it was French pop music blaring out of the speakers at the completion of 80 minutes.
No matter. Both teams acknowledged the crowd. Japan, JK in the lineup, bowing on both sides of the field. France doing a lap of honour. Both teams feted by their fans, who left the ground with no bitterness in their hearts.
JK fronted the press in English, some Japanese, and probably Italian.
As I walked back to my car I looked at the painted faces, took in the mannerisms, listened to the language. It was a magic night.
Let us hope that the French and Japanese fans travel en masse to join the Canadians in Hawke's Bay. If they do, McLean Park, this province is in for nights to remember.
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