[VIDEO] Samoa vs All Blacks highlights: Rugby union test match scores, blog

Roar Guru

8th July, 2015

8602 Reads

Kick-off: 12 noon (AEST)
Venue: Apia, Samoa
Beting: New Zealand $1.03, Samoa $12

Samoa
15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 1 Sakaria Taulafo , 2 Wayne Ole Avei, 3 Census Johnson, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 5 Kane Thompson, 6 Alafoti Faosiliva, 7 Jack Lam, 8 Ofisa Treviranus (c).
Replacements: 16 Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Iosefa Tekori, 19 Maurie Faasavalu, 20 Peleifofoga Cowley, 21 Faialaga Afamasaga, 22 Ken Pisi.

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 George Moala, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Keven Mealamu, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Kieran Read.

Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Charlie Ngatai.

Write for The Roar

Anyone can contribute to The Roar and have their work featured alongside some of Australia’s most prominent sports journalists.

Sonny Bill Williams could be unstoppable at the Rio Olympics. (AP Photo/SNPA, John Cowpland)

Brent Ford

Roar Guru

8th July, 2015

236

8602 Reads

The All Blacks will look to start their World Cup preparations with a historic away Test match Samoa, in Samoa for the first time ever. Join us for live scores and commentary from 12:00pm (AEST).

Today is a historic day in rugby-mad Samoa, with New Zealand’s Test side visiting for the first time.

With just a one debutant in the All Black line-up, those on a half-day of work in Samoa will more than enjoy their time off to watch this game.

George Moala is that debutant and he will take his place on the wing. the Blues wrecking ball was fantastic in a dire season for the Blues and he will be looking to stake his claim for a World Cup spot.

It might be a difficult debut for Moala however, as he matches up with Samoan giant Alesana Tuilagi – older brother of Manu – who weighs in at 117kgs and will prove a more than worthy opponent.

There are so many weapons in this All Black line-up, including Israel Dagg, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Charles Piutau and Dan Carter. When you consider that backline might not be New Zealand’s first choice, you can understand why they are World Cup favourites.

The forward pack is about as close to first choice as it could be. Dane Coles might find himself starting by the World Cup, but for this game Keven Mealamu will rack up another cap in his decorated career.

Samoa have a diamond in Tim Nanai-Williams at fullback. The Chiefs star has plenty of tricks and it will be good to see if he can create a dangerous combination with Alofa Alofa.

The one question remaining is whether this game will be played in a friendly fashion, or if the All Blacks are keen to put on a show for the locals?

Prediction
With so much on the line for spots, and with Hurricanes and Highlanders players looking to be included in this side, the All Blacks will pile on the points.

All Blacks by 26.

236

Join the conversation

Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.