New Zealand may be missing 17 players from the Highlanders and Hurricanes who were involved in the Super 15 Final, but their line-up is formidable.
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The only Samoan newcomer is New Zealand-born Tim Nanai-Williams, a cousin of Sonny Bill.
Samoa’s 27-man squad for next week’s historic one-off rugby test against New Zealand at Apia is heavy with overseas-based players.
New Zealand and Samoa have not played a Test since 2008 and Apia will host the first meeting between the countries on the Pacific Island.
Waikato Chiefs scrumhalf Brad Weber is one of up to four players who could make their debut after he was named on the bench. The friendship between Samoan people and New Zealand people in terms of rugby is one that I guess you can see today.
The team will be captained by influential No 8 Ofisa Treviranus, who will have his hands full in competing with the All Black loose forwards. “We’ve got to win every little battle”.
“We simply couldn’t leave him out”, coach Stephan Betham said when naming his team on Monday.
“I’ve had a think about that the last week or so, how I’ll prepare for it in the six jersey”, he said.
“It’s really important we establish this is a big Test. If we rock up there thinking it’s about sunscreen and a holiday we will get thumped”, Hansen said, adding it would ideally take the All Blacks out of their comfort zone ahead of the World Cup.
The retired hooker says he will not be underestimating the strength of the Samoan side.
Pelous also wondered whether Johnston might be tempted to play at the September 18-October 31 Rugby World Cup, where Samoa have been drawn in Pool B alongside South Africa, Japan, Scotland and the United States.
Samoa: Wayne Ole Avei, Ma’atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Census Johnston, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Iosefa Tekori, Fa’atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Maurie Fa’asavalu, T.J.
ALL BLACKS: Israel Dagg, George Moala, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Charles Piutau, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
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Air New Zealand has confirmed its support for the All Blacks for another five years, re-signing as a major sponsor of New Zealand Rugby through until 2020.
