The Samoan squad to face the All Blacks has an experienced tinge but will face the age‑old difficulty of swiftly shaking off cobwebs in a bid to be competitive.
The world's 14th ranked team only assembled in Auckland at the weekend, just weeks after the All Blacks test was confirmed.
They have a big month ahead.
Next Friday they will host Wales in Apia before two critical Pacific Nations Cup/Rugby World Cup qualifiers against Tonga and Fiji.
There are familiar faces among the 23 named.
Chiefs utility back Tim Nanai‑Williams will suit up on the left wing.
Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i will take the captaincy armband, as wing David Lemi is injured but former Crusaders centre Kieron Fonotia will make his debut at centre.
The All Blacks will host Samoa at 8 tonight at Eden Park while Tonga will take on Wales at 5.30pm at the same venue.
Source: Stuff.co
