More than 20 years have passed since Manu Samoa caused one of the Rugby World Cup's greatest upsets - beating Wales in the Pacific nation's tournament debut.

World rugby needs another seismic shift to force the top nations to once again get serious about creating a genuinely global game.

Check out the amazing atmosphere at Apia Park during the All Blacks and Manu Samoa match. Source: All Blacks TV/Youtube

The tiny island nation with a big heart had its day yesterday and provided not one single reason Samoa can't become a regular destination for the established rugby world.

Prime Minister John Key out and about in Apia before the All Blacks test vs Manu Samoa.

He survived the toughest of tests at Apia Park and now Dan Carter is focusing on another with emotional significance.

The setting was magnificent, the Apia Park crowd was in boisterous voice, the anticipation was off the scale and the rugby was average at best, writes Wynne Gray.

All Blacks win historic test 25-16, but Samoa had them on the ropes and just wouldn't give up.

It's good to celebrate this day, to understand that professional sport is not always about the cash, and to witness a moment Samoans will remember for generations, writes Scotty Stevenson.

Samoa is the land of plenty - in human terms at least. There are, almost unbelievably, more than 630 Pacific Islanders playing professionally worldwide.

The enthusiasm with which the All Blacks have been greeted in Apia should get New Zealand Rugby thinking.

A Samoan-Kiwi opera singer will perform New Zealand's national anthem at the big showdown at Apia Park today.

They've fought hard for this historic test and must show they're worthy opponents.

We look at four of their greatest days in Samoa rugby history as they attempt to take the biggest scalp of all - the All Blacks.

The All Blacks are here and straight into their work in Apia - supervising hundreds of primary school children in a skills session in the blazing heat of the late morning.

A decade ago, Tim Nanai-Williams' talent burned brightly enough to interest a variety of rugby scouts.

The waiting was endless, the heat relentless until the All Blacks entered the arrivals hall at Faleolo International Airport to greet the hundreds who were waiting. Source: All Blacks TV/Youtube

James Somerset arrives in Samoa the morning before the team and spends the day meeting the locals and checking out the flavour of this tropical paradise. Source: All Blacks TV/Youtube

Of all the Manu Samoa players to arrive in Apia for the test against the All Blacks, few were as emotional as former Counties player Ahsee Tuala, back in his homeland for the first time since leaving....

It is the Tim Nanai-Williams way to spot a gap and then exploit it, which serves as the double reason he was named at fullback for Manu Samoa.

Being named after your three older brothers - all of whom have had successful rugby careers - can be a burden for a teenager.

The first impressions of Census Johnston are his size, his top-knot hairstyle, and his loyalty to the Manu Samoa cause.

The All Blacks are expecting a rapturous fan frenzy when they arrive in Samoa ahead of Wednesday's test in Apia.

Brutal running game earns winger place in starting line-up to face physical Samoa. A season of relentless lows for George Moala has spiked to an unprecedented high with the Blues utility back named to win his first test cap against Samoa. Moala will take his place on the right wing in a starting XV