Rugby: Cool heads essential for Samoa

Apia Park Sports complex where Manu Samoa host the All Blacks on Wednesday. Photo / Dean Purcell

Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham has warned his team about the need to keep their discipline against the All Blacks.

As his side prepare for the test amid unprecedented hype and support which is growing by the day, Betham said it was important his players thought with their heads rather than their hearts at Apia Park on Wednesday.

"That has been one of our downfalls in the past — trying to keep discipline — and it's something we have spoken a lot about during our trainings; that this will be no use if we can't keep our discipline.

"It's one thing to show up and be all aggressive, but if you can't keep your discipline you'll be kicked off the park. There are people like Dan Carter coming — we know what danger he presents and he can kick us off the park within 30 or 40 minutes — so we know the task is not just emotional, it's mental."

Manu Samoa have been involved in some war-like matches in the past, such as their battle against the Springboks at North Harbour at the last World Cup (a 13-5 victory to the Boks after fullback Paul Williams was sent off), and it's hard to know how this one will be played out.

There is a lot of goodwill about the test from locals — and the All Blacks are being supported as well — but there is no doubt the Manu Samoa players will want to leave their mark with their trademark heavy defence.

There is also, as Betham said, pressure building on his men to represent their nation in the best way possible with the eyes of the world watching. They want this occasion to be the start of many tests in Apia, not only against the All Blacks but also other top rugby nations.

"I'd say it's going to be a massive day for Samoa. I think it's just hit some of the boys coming in from overseas, the way the people are taking them under their wings.

"Most of the people are saying, 'you should win, you should win' and I think the boys are starting to feel the pressure. I know it's not going to be easy but we have pride in what we do and pride in the blue jersey so we'll give it our best.

"It's going to be a spectacle at Apia Park and, not only that, it will be historical. The boys know they are part of history but they want to be more just being part of the day."

Asked if Manu Samoa, a team ranked ninth in the world, can do what several tier one nations — including Ireland and Scotland — haven't been able to do and beat the All Blacks, Betham said: "A lot of people have asked that question. As far as we're concerned as a team, we're going to worry about what we can do. If we believe there is a chance, then we will take that chance, but we've got to work for it. We will give it the best we can."