Japan to face Classic All Blacks

Justin Marshall: One more showing in a black jersey

Japan will warm up for the Pacific Five Nations tournament with a game against a Classic All Blacks side on May 31, according to Reuters.

The New Zealanders are expected to line up with a number of familiar faces, including Ospreys scrum-half Justin Marshall, Northampton fly-half Carlos Spencer, and Toulon players Andrew Mehrtens and Andrew Oliver.

Munster wing Doug Howlett is also expected to play in the clash.

"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.