All the pressure is on the All Blacks - Nanai-Williams

Tim Nanai-Williams says the Samoan team won't be feeling the pressure. Photo / Christine Cornege

Chiefs star Tim Nanai-Williams says most of the pressure is on the All Blacks in Apia and declared Samoa can win the match despite their status as heavy underdogs.

Samoa have never come close to beating the All Blacks but have never had the benefit of home advantage either.

The Auckland-born Nanai-Williams - who switched to Samoa after playing sevens, schoolboy and age-group rugby for New Zealand - told the Samoa Observer the occasion would not get to the home side.

"It's not that much pressure on us to be honest," said the 26-year-old livewire utility back.

"The pressure is on them because they are the best in the world.

"As a group we believe we can win. The boys are really up for it. The challenge...is to stick with them for the whole game. We've got to win every little battle."

Nanai-Williams has returned to Samoa for the first time since he was five and described the experience as "awesome". He hopes Wednesday's match leads to many more international teams playing in Apia.

"It just means a whole lot to us," he said.

Meanwhile New Zealand High commissioner Jackie Frizelle told the newspaper the match was bringing the two countries together.

"It is clear the community here absolutely loves rugby and it's the same in New Zealand...this match is bringing those two communities together around the love of the game," she said.

"The feeling of excitement here this week is fantastic. I see the bunting coming out, the cars going past with flags, there's a real buzz about the place.

"People are ready to really have a great time and are putting out a warm welcome mat for the visitors from New Zealand."

Samoa (from): Wayne Ole Avei, Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Census Johnston, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Iosefa Tekori, Fa'atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Maurie Fa'asavalu, T.J. Ioane, Kahn Fotuali'i, Peleifofoga Cowley, Tusi Pisi, Michael Stanley, Alofa Alofa, Ken Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Faialaga Afamasaga, Johnny Leota, Paul Perez, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ah See Tuala.