The Samoan capital of Apia has been whipped into a frenzy this week with the arrival of world champions New Zealand for an historic first test against the Manu Samoa on home soil.
Eight thousand fans have been lucky enough to secure the hottest ticket in town to Apia Park for Wednesday’s match, but many thousands more will watch on giant screens nearby or TV sets throughout the islands and around the world.
With names like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Read, Keven Mealamu and Sonny Bill Williams in town with the All Blacks, it is no surprise that Apia came to a standstill on Tuesday when the two teams took part in a parade on traditional open-top buses.
Whether players will make their debut or have amassed more than a century of caps, the chance to create a piece of rugby history is an exciting one, particularly for those with Samoan heritage like Mealamu and Williams.
New ground
“It’s a pretty special moment for those of us who have Samoan heritage, and parents who are born and raised in Samoa,” admitted 123-test veteran Mealamu. “It will be a really proud moment for them to be able to see their sons go back to Samoa and have the opportunity to play in front of family that have never had the opportunity to see the All Blacks play.
“We know it is going to be a cauldron when we walk into Apia Park but we’re looking forward to it and we’re really looking forward to playing in a stadium we haven’t played in before, and to take All Black rugby there.”
Sleep well Samoa, tomorrow is a special day. #SAMvNZL
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks)
July 7, 2015
Williams will also come up against his cousin and Chiefs teammate Tim Nanai-Williams who will make his test debut for Samoa in the match, admitting that he is “looking forward to playing him but not too sure about trying to tackle him, he’s got those twinkle toes…”
The last time that the two sides met was in September 2008 when New Zealand ran out emphatic 101-14 winners in New Plymouth with the likes of Carter, Tony Woodcock and Jerome Kaino having also played that day.
Despite that scoreline and a record of played six and comfortably won six against Samoa, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen though will take nothing for granted as his side kick-off a 2015 season they hope will end with the successful defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in England.
Intense competition
“It’s exciting for the group to be playing this first ever All Blacks test in Samoa and we know it’s going to be a huge occasion,” said Hansen.
Skipper Ofisa Treviranus. "Tomorrow will be an amazing occasion for Samoa. We are ready for the @allblacks." pic.twitter.com/7Qr785Dl9w
— Samoa Rugby Union (@manusamoa)
July 6, 2015
“The Samoans will be incredibly physical and keen to put in a huge performance in front of their fans and we will have to play with high intensity and accuracy with plenty of physicality.”
His Samoan counterpart Stephen Betham is equally excited by the historic encounter, but also has one eye on the season ahead with attention set to quickly switch to the Pacific Nations Cup and RWC 2015 preparations once the dust has settled.
“The prospect of playing against the All Blacks has made competition for places very intense,” admitted Betham.
“Unfortunately we can’t pick everyone for this historic match, but we’ve chosen the men we think are best placed to help us put our best foot forward against the world’s number one team.
“The All Blacks are a class team, and they are the world’s best for a reason. We know that the country’s dreams for the Manu Samoa are a huge challenge, but we’re up for it and the boys are up for it.
“We’re also mindful that we have a long few months ahead with a difficult travel schedule given we head to North America for the Pacific Nations Cup, before a short break, and then assembling again for two pre-tournament matches in the UK.”
