KEY POINTS:
Tighthead prop Greg Somerville is the only survivor from the All Blacks last test against Samoa who is backing up tomorrow for the team's historic international in New Plymouth.
Somerville was in the early stages of his test propping career in 2001 when the All Blacks started that
year's test programme with a 50-6 victory against Samoa at Albany in a match where Carl Hayman replaced him and became the 1000th test All Black on his debut.
The pair's selection order reversed later in their careers before Hayman opted for an overseas stint after last year's World Cup. Somerville is heading for the end of his test career and shifting to the Gloucester club after the end-of-year trip to Europe.
Somerville and Leon MacDonald are the only current All Blacks who confronted the Samoans seven years ago although the fullback has not been in the selection frame since he complained of concussion problems in July after the loss to the Springboks in Dunedin.
The momentous first test appearance for the All Blacks in New Plymouth will showcase two of the area's rugby sons - Conrad Smith and Andrew Hore - in a match the coaching staff wanted to help the buildup to the Tri-Nations showdown in Brisbane on September 13.
Samoa accepted the chance to oppose the All Blacks for the first time since 2001 though they have been heavily restricted in their selection because the bulk of their players are on contract to clubs in Europe or Japan.
They are facing an All Black side desperate to get some matchplay together and which is shorn of just three players from the side's most recent victory in Cape Town against the Springboks.
One of those absentees is skipper Richie McCaw who is protecting tender ribs, while wing Sitiveni Sivivatu has an ankle injury and lock Brad Thorn is overcoming a hamstring strain. Regular reserve prop John Afoa has also not been considered after damaging his shoulder in last weekend's round of the national championship.
Well-known southern man Filipo Levi will captain Samoa after being released from his Japanese club and there are several New Zealand-based players in the squad, but the bulk of the side comes from the island nation's domestic competition.
The entire starting backline come from three clubs-Apia, Apia West and Tuamasaga- with first five-eighths Uale Mai best known for his deeds on the sevens circuit.
All Black coach Graham Henry is confident McCaw will recover for the Tri-Nations decider in Brisbane but in his absence No 8 Rodney So'oilo will captain the side in a match which doubles as his 50th test after he made his debut on the 2002 tour to Europe against Wales.
The All Blacks have chosen not to call up players like Daniel Braid to cover for injury, instead picking from their squad with Adam Thomson filling in on the openside and Jerome Kaino the cover at lock with only three forward and four back reserves.
"It will be a four-week gap between Cape Town and Brisbane and it's too long to do nothing," coach Graham Henry said. "We need a game, Samoa wanted to play us and that's great."
It was crucial that the All Blacks rediscovered the rhythms of test rugby and sustained a tempo which would have them ready for the Tri-Nations battle with the Wallabies.
All Blacks
Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Anthony Tuitavake, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Sione Lauaki, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf.
Samoa
Alatasi Tupou, Reupena Levasa, Pale Toelupe, Jerry Meafou, Esera Lauina, Uale Mai, Notise Tauafao, George Stowers, Alafoti Faosiliva, Semo Sititi, Chad Slade, Filipo Levi (captain), Heroshi Tea, Loleni Tafunai, Simon Lemalu.
Reserves: Lafoga Aoelua, Roysiu Tolufale, Maselino Paulino, Simaika Mikaele, Junior Poluleuligaga, Roger Warren, Romi Ropati.
