Japan to play 'Classic All Blacks' in friendly

Japan will face a "Classic All Blacks" side in a friendly in Tokyo next month, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) told Reuters yesterday. The New Zealanders will field a powerful side including former All Blacks Justin Marshall, Carlos Spencer, Doug...

Japan will face a "Classic All Blacks" side in a friendly in Tokyo next month, the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) told Reuters yesterday.

The New Zealanders will field a powerful side including former All Blacks Justin Marshall, Carlos Spencer, Doug Howlett, Carl Hayman and Andrew Mehrtens for the May 31 game.

"We were in Japan last year to give the boys from Japan a chance to get ready for the Rugby World Cup," Classic All Blacks manager Andy Haden said.

"We are delighted we have been asked back this year to help the Japan Rugby Football Union's long-term vision of bringing the Rugby World Cup to Asia."

Japan are expected to bid for the hosting rights for the 2015 Rugby World Cup having lost out to New Zealand for the 2011 tournament.

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