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The contrast was fitting as the All Blacks and Samoa went through their final paces for what shapes as a monumental Test rugby mismatch at Yarrow Stadium.
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While the All Blacks mechanically underwent their last drills at Yarrow Stadium, the Samoans spent more than an hour throwing a ball around in the crowded car park at their team hotel.
Some in jeans, others in thongs, the tourists resembled exactly what they are, a second-string group cobbled together at short notice to put the world No.1 ranked New Zealanders at close to full strength through a glorified training run.
With coach Niko Palamo unsighted, a few lineout drills were attempted, often resulting in a loose ball thudding into a car bonnet or nearly rolling onto the busy adjacent road.
Captain Filipo Levi, who was unavailable for comment, clearly had his hands full trying to bring together players drawn mainly from the Samoan domestic competition – a world away from the breakneck speed and innovation of the Tri-Nations.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has spent much of his time justifying the value of the match, which falls during a four-week break in their Tri-Nations schedule.
Their last game before facing Australia in the competition decider on September 13 would otherwise have been the 19-0 win over South Africa in Cape Town.
“It’s just too long a gap between games, we’d be underdone,” Henry said.
“I’d think we’d suffer considerably in our performance if we didn’t have the game.”
Henry will pray no injuries emerge but wants his players to hold nothing back and make the most of the opportunity, even if it is the easiest of their 16 games this year.
“As long as they get into the rhythm of playing and the physicality of playing, and play some rugby with some high energy and some speed in the game,” he said.
“So they get back to the rhythm of clashing bodies and tackles and cleanouts and things like that. Otherwise they’d find it difficult in Brisbane.”
The biggest challenge is getting every player to rise mentally for opponents that will bring nothing like the intensity of the Wallabies or Springboks.
Teams:
NEW ZEALAND: Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Anthony Tuitavake, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So’oialo (capt), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Res: Rudi Wulf, Isaia Toeava, Stephen Donald, Piri Weepu, Sione Lauaki, Neemia Tialata, Keven MealamuSAMOA: Alatasi Tupou, Reupena Levasa, Pale Toelupe, Jerry Meafou, Esera Lauina, Uale Mai, Notise Tauafao, George Stowers, Alafoti Faosiliva, Semo Sititi, Chad Slade, Filipo Levi (capt), Heroshi Tea, Loleni Tafunai, Simon Lemalu. Res: Lafoga Aoelua, Roysiu Tolufale, Maselino Paulino, Simaika Mikaele, Junior Poluleuligaga, Roger Warren, Romi Ropati.
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.