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Japan will face former All Blacks

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TOKYO, Japan -- Andrew Mehrtens will lead a side of former New Zealand All Blacks, including Jonah Lomu, Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall and Jeff Wilson against Japan in rugby matches on May 9 and 12.

Japan coach John Kirwan, an All Blacks great, said the games will provide his team with some tough opposition as it prepares for the Pacific Six Nations and World Cup.

"We need games like this to give us confidence," Kirwan said. "It's very important that we compete.

" We are playing the same format as in the World Cup with a game on the Wednesday followed by another on the Saturday, so the players can get used to a quick turnaround."

The 41-year-old Kirwan, who won 63 caps for New Zealand, took over as Japan coach on January 1.

Brennan lodges appeal

Former Ireland rugby union forward Trevor Brennan has lodged an appeal against a lifetime playing ban, the European Rugby Cup (ERC) has announced.

Brennan will also appeal against a suspension from participating in any tournament organized by the ERC and a fine he received for punching a supporter during Toulouse's 28-13 European Cup victory over Ulster in January.

The 33-year-old was fined 25,000 euros ($33,392) and ordered to pay 5,000 euros ($6,678) compensation to the supporter and the costs of convening the hearing.

The Toulouse player announced his immediate retirement from the game just days before the hearing in London on March 16.

A date for the appeal to be heard, and the composition of an independent appeal committee, will be confirmed as soon as practicable, the ERC said.

Last month the French Rugby Federation banned Brennan until the disciplinary hearing was complete.

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