Scrum-half Justin Marshall, openside flanker Marty Holah and No8 Filo Tiatia are all expected to be named in Lyn Jones’ squad for a rerun of last season’s Anglo-Welsh final.
Between them, Marshall, Holah and Tiatia have earned 119 caps for the All Blacks and have amassed vast experience at provincial and Super 12/14 level back in New Zealand.
All three players are due to appear in the Classic All Blacks’ first-ever match in the UK when Tigers welcome them to Welford on Sunday, May 25.
With a total of 105 appearances for the Canterbury Crusaders and a further 81 for the All Blacks, Marshall has rightly earned a reputation as one of the best No9s in the world game. The 34-year-old cousin of former Tigers centre Daryl Gibson is the highest-capped scrum-half in New Zealand history and has won a host of honours at club level. Marshall picked up a staggering six Super 12/14 titles with the Crusaders, three of which were alongside current Tigers star Aaron Mauger.
Holah made his debut for the national side in 2001, winning 36 caps despite being in direct opposition to one of the world’s premier players in Richie McCaw. His career with the Waikato Chiefs spanned six years, while he will be known to British and Irish Lions supporters for his impressive performance for the New Zealand Maori in their defeat of the 2005 tourists.
Tiatia, who joined the Ospreys from Japanese side Toyota Verblitz in 2006, was a member of the same Wellington Hurricanes squad as former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga. A powerful ball carrier, Tiatia played for the All Blacks in 2000, scoring two tries in two appearances.
Match tickets for Tigers versus the Classic All Blacks are on sale now from the Tigers ticket office or by calling 08701 28 34 30.
Ticket prices start at just £13 for adults standing and £15 adults seating.
Season ticket holders and members can take advantage of discounted ticket prices up to April 25 and can even bring the whole family or a group of friends at the special members’ rates. Season ticket holders' seats will be reserved until that date.
This match also provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy corporate hospitality, in rooms around the stadium or in an executive box to help make a unique event even more special. For more information on corporate hospitality, please call Fliss Wallace on 0116 2171 278.
