Ross Filipo: Physical time awaits in Apia

The Apia Park Sports Complex on the island of 'Upolu, Samoa where the All Blacks will play Manu Samoa. Photo / Dean Purcell

Opinion

It's safe to say playing Samoa in Apia will most definitely not be the same experience as playing them in New Zealand.

I went to Samoa to play with the Junior All Blacks and it was incredible — so different, so memorable and so bloody physical out on the field.

The first thing the All Blacks will realise when they arrive is just what an enormous impact they will have on the whole country.

I know a lot has been made of this already — that everyone is aware this test is a big deal for Samoa — but you don't really know until you experience it.

The Samoan culture is built on love and giving and the All Blacks are revered there. Every Samoan will want to touch them and talk to them. Part of the reason the reaction will be so major is that the Samoans will see the All Blacks coming as a mark of respect and that's because it is.

The Pacific Island sides have given an enormous amount in terms of growing world rugby. Samoa, Tonga and Fiji have been among the few teams regularly playing the likes of Georgia, Japan and Romania. The Islanders have been great ambassadors.

Major nations such as England, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa haven't been as active at growing the game at this level so for Samoa to host the All Blacks is a great acknowledgement.

It is likely quite a few All Blacks in Apia will have strong Samoan heritage. I know that will be emotional for them — a proud moment for them and their families — but it is vital they don't get caught up in that too much.

They are still there to do a job for the All Blacks. While they can be proud of their background, they are there as New Zealanders to put on a good performance.

You also have to remember that this is World Cup year and there are only five tests before the squad for England is picked. The competition for places is intense and players, especially those in positions where competition for places is fierce, need to use the Samoa test to put their best foot forward. All the emotion, that has to be taken out of the preparation and the focus exclusively on getting the job done.

The All Blacks should be able to do that. They are the most professional team in world rugby and that is what they do, they plan and prepare and ready themselves for every challenge no matter where it is.

My prediction is the All Blacks, given it is their first test of the season, will suffer the usual teething problems especially trying to bed in a few new combinations but will come good later in the game and be too strong.

It will be hugely physical and Samoa will come up with a few ways to put pressure on the All Blacks — but there is too much quality in this New Zealand team.