The All Blacks have taken to social media to support the under-fire Samoan team in their feud with the Samoan Rugby Union.
Posting from the All Blacks base at Cardiff's Hilton Hotel, loose-forward Jerome Kaino posted a picture on Instagram of a group of New Zealand players surrounding a signwhich reads "#SamoaUnited".
All Blacks Dan Carter, Liam Messam, Keven Mealamu, Julian Savea, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sonny Bill Williams, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Augustine Pulu, and Kaino are all in the picture, which is accompanied by the message: "Players staying United for Manu Samoa and a positive outcome for the future of Samoan Rugby #SamoaUnited @TheIRPA"
The message of support comes after the Samoan team threatened to boycott this weekend's test against England at Twickenham in order to leverage a meeting with its union.
The Samoan Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele, who is also chairman of the SRU, has described the players as "trouble makers" who put money before country.
However, the International Rugby Players' Associations has come out in defence of its members' feud with the SRU, insisting money is not their motivating factor.
IRPA executive director Rob Nichol says the players aren't seeking more match fees.
"The Samoan Rugby Union did not have the funds to pay professional wages to play for your country, or any wages of significance," Nicol said.
