A crowd of more than 8,000 braved a cold and damp Bank Holiday afternoon at Welford Road to cheer on their own team and show their appreciation for the visitors.
Academy products Jack Cobden, Manu Tuilagi, Calum Green and Gregor Gillanders were among the Tigers starting XV against a touring side featuring experienced internationals Justin Marshall, Daryl Gibson, Troy Flavell, Carlos Spencer and Carl Hayman.
The Classic All Blacks ran in seven tries in a 41-26 victory but Tigers, after weathering an early storm, grabbed four tries of their own as reward for their commitment.
"It was an enjoyable game to watch," said Tigers head coach Loffreda. "Because of the circumstances, with the Guinness Premiership Final less than a week away and with some injuries, we gave the opportunity to some young players and they did a really good job.
"They played with a lot of passion and also for the Leicester Tigers shirt. They showed they have a lot of potential for the future.
"There were young players up against experienced internationals, they were probably nervous but they responded well and I am very happy for them.
"The senior players also had an excellent day. Players like George Chuter, Brett Deacon, Frank Murphy, Matt Cornwell, they were outstanding and the other players could rely on them and their leadership."
Daryl Gibson, making his first appearance back at Welford Road since his summer move to Glasgow, was delighted to make the return trip as part of the Classic All Blacks squad.
"It was fantastic to run out here again, especially in the company I was with," said Gibson, who won 19 caps for New Zealand before moving into the Premiership where he spent four seasons with Tigers.
"Looking around the room, there were plenty of players I had played with before and it was good to get back in touch with them and enjoyable to play rugby with them again.
"I thought Leicester's young guys did very well. It was boys against old men at times but they stood up to it very well."
