That doesn't mean they have to win. That doesn't mean they have to come within a whisker of winning either. What it means is that they have to deliver an 80-minute performance where their skills hold up.
They have to maintain their pass and catch accuracy for the duration; ensure their set-piece doesn't falter in the final quarter and retain their discipline at the breakdown.
If they can do all that and tackle their hearts out, then the final score won't matter too much. How big is that if, though?
Every side comes into a test against the All Blacks knowing what they have to do; what they would like to do. But just twice since 2012 has execution matched aspiration and only South Africa and England have managed to gain ascendancy for long enough to inflict defeat on the world's top ranked side.
What chance Samoa being able to be the third? In five previous encounters against the All Blacks, they haven't come close: haven't played anywhere near as well as they could.
Some of that has been down to the age-old problem of player release - a situation that hasn't arisen for this test. Census Johnston was nearly a casualty - the giant prop announcing his retirement from test rugby a few weeks ago only to be talked out of it when an injury crises left Manu short of front-rowers.
Johnston's initial decision to retire was encouraged by his club Toulouse who didn't want to lose him for the World Cup. His presence not only sends a message to the French that Pacific Island players are ready to stand up to their devious contracting, it gives Samoa a huge presence and experienced scrummager in the front-row.
The Samoan pack, in fact, looks well enough equipped to handle itself and provide possession for a backline that has enough explosive power and direction to find and exploit space.
Kahn Fotuali'i is as good as most halfbacks in the world game and Tim Nanai-Williams brings an intriguing set of skills to the test arena.
"They have got some guys that if you give them space and ball they want and it becomes unstructured, then they will make you pay," says All Black captain Richie McCaw.
"A guy like Kahn Fotuali'i will take any opportunity that opens up and they are big lads if you allow them to get go-forward. I think that is the key - to not give them easy opportunities."
The bigger issue is whether Samoa can handle the pressure of the occasion. This is the biggest test in their history and the last few days have been emotionally demanding. So much rests on their shoulders: so much responsibility lies with them to make the nation proud that they could easily freeze or be gripped by anxiety.
But the All Blacks don't think they will. The bulk of Samoa's team play for big professional clubs. Most of them have played in big games before, know what pressure is all about and know how to get the best out of themselves.
"There is no doubt about that," says All Black assistant coach Ian Foster on whether Samoa are a good side. "If you look at their roster at the moment and their World Cup pool and programme leading into it, they are in a great spot to have a good couple of months preparation and be a dangerous team at the World Cup.
"They have done it before."
Match-ups to watch
Kahn Fotuali'i v Andy Ellis
One of the unluckier players in recent times to not win an All Black cap, Fotuali'i was the Super Rugby form halfback in 2010 but couldn't persuade the selectors he was a better bet than any of Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu or Andy Ellis. It was a tough call because Fotuali'i has genuine pace, superb vision and game sense - which is why he's equally comfortable at first-five - and can kick well off both feet. He'll be Samoa's tactical director and voice.
An emotional return for Ellis, the long-serving Crusader whose last test was the World Cup final in 2011. Ellis showed in recent fitness testing that he's got the aerobic capacity to play the game the All Blacks want. But his focus in Apia will be on doing the simple things well. His key strength these days is his decision making. He'll look to pass quickly off the deck and let Daniel Carter take on the bulk of the tactical directing.
Tim Nanai-Williams v Israel Dagg
Having made the switch to Samoa Nanai-Williams feels he'd be under a bit of pressure to prove he's worthy of his place in the Manu Samoa team. He brings an incredible array of talents - most notably his stepping and pace. If the All Blacks leave space for him to exploit it, he'll take it because he's reputedly the quickest player at the Chiefs and quickly gets up to top speed.
Dagg has played only five games this year as he's battled with a calf injury. His lack of game time has put him under a bit of pressure to deliver a performance. His main weapons are his positioning, work under the high ball and booming right boot. But on the rock hard field and heat of Apia, he'll be required to show his counter-attack skills and whether he can still split a defence the way he used to.
