Right from the outset when Lions pivot Jonathan Sexton signalled for a shot at goal, the disdain was palpable. Boos echoed into the still night and when the Barbarians, in Baabaas style, went for lineouts and showed trademark flair which invigorated the 20,000 in attendance.
You could barely hear the announcer when Matt Matich was introduced early in the second stanza, while Josh Goodhue's hard runs were met with equally passionate cheers.
The result may not have gone the Barbarians' way, but the crowd were given everything they could of wanted besides the fact.
The Barmy Army were there in voice, though not quite as loud as I'm sure they would have been if the Lions were in firm control, but they added a great change of pace.
Toll Stadium, and Northland, proved they could host the big games without the crowds getting out of hand. There were no arrests made at the game - a phenomenal achievement that should be lauded.
The grounds were impeccable despite the heavy and persistent downpour leading into game day.
Northland showed what Auckland consistently struggles to find in their crowds (All Blacks and Lions excluding) - passion.
Bring the Blues this way, we'll show them a real crowd.
As for the Lions' hopes for the rest of the tour, they've shot themselves in the foot with their schedule. Three tests, the Maori All Blacks, all the NZ Super Rugby franchises and the Provincial Barbarians in the space of six weeks is just asking for trouble.
They're 1-all after what should have been their two easiest fixtures. The signs aren't good for Warren Gatland and his merry men.
As for Gatland, he can't complain about "Warrenball" if that's all he is going to do. He said they were going to be more expansive against the Blues but there was more flair on The Bachelor than at Eden Park.
It's going to be a long, long tour.
On the subject of the All Blacks, you have to feel incredibly bad for Damian McKenzie.
The Chiefs fullback has been the form player in Super Rugby and he can't find a spot in the All Blacks squad. They instead went for Jordie Barrett, a talented but flawed big body.
McKenzie may be small in stature, but he more than makes up for it with elusiveness, X-factor and defence. McKenzie makes 82 per cent of his tackles to Barrett's 54 per cent.
He's a better kicker too and heads off Barrett in run metres, defenders beaten, clean breaks and try assists. Offloads are basically a dead heat between the pair.
It's great to see Ngani Laumape rewarded for a stellar season for the Hurricanes, while Northlander Jack Goodhue was another surprise after being named as injury cover for the All Blacks.
Goodhue will be a feature of the national side for years to come and it's great to see form rewarded.
He's been a stellar contributor to an unbeaten Crusaders Super Rugby season.
With Jack joining twin brother Josh at Northland for the ITM Cup season, the standards will be lifted which will help no end with where they finish on the ladder.
