Wednesday 8 July 2015 05:33, UK
The All Blacks have named a strong side for their historic Test match against Samoa in Apia on Wednesday.
The contest will mark the first time New Zealand have played a Test in Samoa.
Steve Hansen has named seven players in his starting XV that started in the World Cup final against France four years ago as his side builds towards their title defence later in the year.
Sonny Bill Williams starts at inside centre, working off star fly-half Dan Carter while Richie McCaw will lead the side in the No 7 jersey in what is set to be his 138th test.
The front row consists of Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Owen Franks, while Sam Whitelock is partnered by Luke Romano in the second row.
There is a debut for right wing George Moala, and three uncapped players on the bench in the form of Nepo Laulala, Brad Weber and Charlie Ngatai.
None of the players who featured in Saturday's Super Rugby final between the Hurricanes and Highlanders have been considered for selection.
Meanwhile Samoa have named a match-day 23 that has just one locally-based player - reserve Faialaga Afamasaga - as a host of players fly in from their club rugby homes in Europe and Australasia in order to take on the World Champions.
The team will be captained by influential No 8 Ofisa Treviranus, who will have his hands full in competing with the All Black loose forwards. And it is no easier for the rest of the pack; Toulouse’s Census Johnson and Kane Douglas of the Newcastle Falcons come up against a tight five that is close to the strongest on offer from Steve Hansen's men.
Alofa Alofa and Paul Perez are tasked with marking Williams and Ryan Crotty in the midfield and the last line of defence will be debutant Tim Nanai-Williams, who plays Super Rugby for the Chiefs.
Scrum-half Khan Fotuali'I will be eager to get one over his former team-mate at the Crusaders, opposite number Andy Ellis.
Sky Sports' Sean Fitzpatrick has hailed the momentous game in Apia.
“It's a really historic game, isn't it? It's probably been a long time coming,” said the former All Black captain.
“With the rugby schedule the way it is, the year is so congested, and unfortunately we haven't been able to get there before.
"I think it's a really nice thing to do but it's not being done just because it's a nice thing to do; it's a very good opportunity for New Zealand to test themselves against a good side.
"The All Blacks need games, they've only got two or three fixtures ahead of the World Cup."
The retired hooker says he will not be underestimating the strength of the Samoan side.
“Everyone's writing them off, but I think Samoa and Fiji will be quite outstanding in the World Cup, so I definitely won't be writing them off.
“Samoa are preparing for the World Cup too, and will be looking to get one over the All Blacks so Hansen and his troops will need to be prepared.”
Samoa: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Alofa Alofa, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusiata Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 1 Sakaria Taulafo , 2 Wayne Ole Avei, 3 Census Johnson, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 5 Kane Thompson, 6 Alafoti Faosiliva, 7 Jack Lam, 8 Ofisa Treviranus (c).
Replacements: 16 Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Iosefa Tekori, 19 Maurie Faasavalu, 20 Peleifofoga Cowley, 21 Faialaga Afamasaga, 22 Ken Pisi.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 George Moala, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Keven Mealamu, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Luke Romano, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Brodie Retallick, 20 Matt Todd, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Charlie Ngatai.
Watch Samoa v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 1 on Wednesday from 2.45am.
