Rugby: NZ-Samoa test to be confirmed today

The possibility of an All Blacks test in Apia has gained public support. Photo / NZPA

All Blacks’ match against tough opponents on their home ground will form part of intense preparations for World Cup

The New Zealand Rugby Union and Samoan Rugby Union will this afternoon confirm next year's historic All Blacks test in Apia.

The announcement will be made at a press conference at 3pm today, attended by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and Manu Samoa counterpart Stephen Betham.

The two sides have played five tests since their first duel at Eden Park in 1993 when the All Blacks were pushed hard before winning 35-13.

Each subsequent test has been played in New Zealand but the haka will challenge the siva tau in Apia next season once the Super 15 tournament finishes, as reported by the Herald in July.

That competition will continue through June because there are no in-bound tours and with the All Blacks looking to get in some match play before the abbreviated Rugby Championship, it's understood they have agreed to travel and play at Apia Park.

The ground has a capacity of 15,000 but it's likely that will increase significantly for such an historic occasion as an All Black visit.

Samoa have tests lined up for the November window against Italy, Canada and England, while they will likely appear again in the Pacific Nations Cup in 2015 after the All Blacks have come to Apia.

They were as high as seventh in the IRB world rankings, but a loss to Georgia last November saw them drop to ninth.