Kiwis v Samoa: Three predictions

Shaun Johnson. Photo / Getty Images.

Three predictions for today's Four Nations test between the Kiwis and Samoa at Toll Stadium in Whangarei.

1. The Kiwis will have a battle on their hands for 80 minutes

Despite their underdog status, Samoa will provide the Kiwis with a thorough inspection and are capable of causing an upset if the home team is not focused for the entire match.

Samoa showed in last week's thriller against England that they will not lose belief if they fall behind on the scoreboard and will keep coming at the Kiwis until the final whistle.

The Kiwis only need to recall their World Cup match from last year to know they are in for a tough clash. New Zealand led 36-4 before the men in blue threatened to embarrass them with a spirited comeback that saw them score the next 20 points, including four tries, before the Kiwis eventually saw them off 42-24.

2. Hookers to run amok

Two of the smallest men on the park will be hugely influential to either side's attacking plans, with Kiwis hooker Issac Luke and Samoan No9 Pita Godinet two of the best dummy-half runners in the game.

Godinet was dynamic for his side against England last weekend, scoring two vital tries and constantly threatening with his darting runs, while the Kiwis will be looking for the same from Luke, who makes his return to the playing field after missing the Rabbitohs' grand final win and last Saturday's victory over the Kangaroos.

Thomas Leuluai was terrific for the Kiwis against Australia, defending strongly and marshaling the troops, but Luke's attacking flair adds another dimension to their attack.

3. Backline battle will be evenly matched

Although much of the build-up has centered on the expected forward battle, with both sides boasting huge forward packs, the contest between the two backlines could prove just as pivotal.

The Kiwis have the stronger halves pairing in Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran, but midfielders, Dean Whare and Shaun Kenny-Dowall are in for a stern inspection against Samoa's in-form pairing of Joey Leilua and Tim Lafai.

Veteran Kiwis winger Manu Vatuvei, in his first appearance for the tournament, will be tested in defence by Samoa's Daniel Vidot, and will be targeted under the high-ball. He will need strong support from the likes of fullback Peta Hiku and Jason Nightingale.