The All Blacks got a rousing welcome ahead of an historic game in Samoa
IT’S AN HISTORIC week for international rugby, as New Zealand get set to play their first-ever Test match in the Pacific Islands when they face Samoa on Wednesday (KO 03.00 Irish time).
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Steve Hansen and his squad arrived in Apia today to a frenzied and rousing welcome from hundreds of rugby fans, the excitement levels in the Samoan capital city already at fever pitch.
The Kiwis wore the traditional Samoan lei (neck garland) and elei (Island-printed shirt) to show their respect for the host nation, while they were met with a unique war dance that combined the Haka and Samoa’s Siva Tau.
Earlier today, Samoa named their starting team and replacements for Wednesday’s highly-anticipated Test match, with the Chiefs’ Tim Nanai-Williams set for his debut at fullback.
Nanai-Williams – whose cousin and clubmate Sonny Bill Williams starts for the All Blacks – has become eligible by playing international sevens with Samoa in recent months, and now forms an exciting back three with Alofa Alofa and 34-year-old Alesana Tuilagi.