Rugby: Manu Samoa ready for All Blacks challenge

Sam Whitelock charges at a Samoa defender in their last meeting. Photo / Getty

Manu Samoa will hope to ask a few questions of the All Blacks tomorrow night and answer a few questions of themselves.

They are of course rank underdogs in their first test at Eden Park against the All Blacks in 24 years - the All Blacks will look to put at least a 30-point margin on them - but some of those questions might be: can debutant Kieron Fonotia and Alapati Leiua become a compatible midfield combination for the Manu, and can Faatiga Lemalu and Chris Vui offer the grunt and lineout authority they seek from their second-rowers? Can Albert Nikoro land a long-range bomb from his half?

It would be foolhardy in the extreme for Samoa to try and take the All Blacks on at set-piece, so watch for short lineouts, quick lineouts, and swiftly clearing ball from the scrum. Prop Census Johnston is a wily old customer, who has retired at least once, but he will still want to make his presence felt on Joe Moody.

"The boys know they are playing the best team in the world and they know if they don't get it right it's going to be a long day. We have to be smart. But the All Blacks are the All Blacks. They are very good at picking weaknesses," says Manu Samoa coach Alama Ieremia, who has lent on Richard Watt, Dan Cron and Grant Henson to come up with strategies for the pack to trouble the All Blacks.

"The set-piece is always contestable for us... the forwards will definitely have their work cut out, but it's an exciting challenge for them," he adds.

Left wing Tim Nanai-Williams is one of nine survivors in the match-day squad from the 23 who held the All Blacks to 25-16 in Apia two years ago. Former Counties Manukau fullback Ahsee Tuala, a man with all the skills, will seek to continue the form he showed for Northampton Saints last season.

Halfback and captain Kahn Fotuali'i, fresh off a big season for Bath, is relishing the chance to mark Aaron Smith, whom he has not faced since his Super Rugby days with the Crusaders.

"He's the No 1 halfback in the world. It's a great opportunity to come against Aaron Smith. I'll have my hands full," says Fotuali'i, who says his team have soaked up a lot of information this week but will embrace the pressure of playing before many of their fans and people.

Early indications are that a crowd of close to 30,000 is expected, not bad for a one month lead-in.

Manu Samoa squad to face All Blacks: Ahsee Tuala, Albert Nikoro, Kieron Fonotia, Alapati Leiua, Tim Nanai-Williams, Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali'i (c), Faifili Levave, Jack Lam, Piula Faasalele, Faatiga Lemalu, Chris Vui, Census Johnston, Manu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia

Reserves: Seilala Lam, Nephi Leatigaga, Paul Alo-Emile, Taiasina Tuifua, Alafoti Faosiliva, Auvasa Faleali'i, D'Angelo Leuila, Ken Pisi