Trainer Dave Edgar, formally of the Chiefs and now based in Apia after a stint in Japan, said coconut water - sold in bottles at extortionate prices in supermarkets worldwide - was excellent for its hydration properties.
A quick look on the internet suggests he and his players are on to something. One website said coconut water has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium than a sports drink.
The players were provided with sports drink, but boxes of bottles sit neglected in a van.
"We have protein as normal, but coconuts are perfect for refuelling - they have everything you need and nothing you don't," Edgar said.
"As for that ice bath - we've had it for four years and it does the job. You can fit five big men in there - there's no need for a fancy one."
Outside back Ken Pisi, who plays for Northampton in England, said: "We make do with what we have - that's the Samoan way. We're not a wealthy nation but these natural resources [coconuts] fill us up and do the job."
Edgar's reference to big men is not without foundation.
Many of the Manu Samoa players are very large even compared with the All Blacks. Wing Alesana Tuilagi, seen taking ice from the bath for a sore hamstring, is a giant.
Effort and high performance are non-negotiables.
Pele Cowley, a 22-year-old halfback from Counties who has played two tests for Manu Samoa, said: "We always have high expectations when we come into this environment.
"Obviously being in our own backyard we want to put in a good effort. We set high standards, especially the senior players for us younger blokes - they expect us to be not too far behind.
"The locals are right behind us. They call us the 'people's team', so we owe a lot to them," he said.
"They give as much as they can and a lot of them have little so we just want to go out there and perform our best for them." Patrick McKendry in Apia
