More than just a Test
Experienced All Blacks Keven Mealamu and Jerome Kaino has shared their thoughts on the significance of the Test match in Apia for players with Samoan heritage.
The 123–Test veteran hooker said he never believed the opportunity would arise to play a Test in Apia.
"It's a pretty special moment for those of us who have Samoan heritage, and parents who are born and raised in Samoa. It will be a really proud moment for them to be able to see their sons go back to Samoa and have the opportunity to play in front of family that have never had the opportunity to see the All Blacks play," he said.
Mealamu had only been to Samoa to see family while on holiday, so now having to play in that environment will be slightly different. His father would be his family's representative at the game, while other players with Samoan connections would also have family travelling to Apia for the Test.
As a result of his heritage, he had always followed Samoa in his youth and while playing for them might have been a possibility, his desire had always been to be an All Black.
"It's a pretty special moment for some of the boys and I think it is a pretty special moment for the All Blacks as well.
"We know it is going to be a cauldron when we walk into Apia Park but we're looking forward to it and we're really looking forward to playing in a stadium we haven't played in before, and to take All Black rugby there," he added.
Loose forward Jerome Kaino echoed the sentiments of Mealamu and believes the Test will be huge for the entire Island.
"It [the Test] is huge, there are a lot of All Blacks fans in Samoa and they really love watching the All Blacks play. For the All Blacks to travel there means a lot to the country and obviously me having Samoan heritage, it's quite a significant event for me and my family.
"It would be great to be involved but just the thought of the All Blacks travelling to Samoa is huge for the whole country," he said.
Kaino believes everything will come to a standstill for the Test and grants all the fans a massive opportunity to meet their heroes.
"The whole country will be watching, the whole island will stop for the All Blacks and there will be a lot of people watching the game. Allowing them to see us face-to-face and not just on TV will be awesome and massive.
"We know they will throw their hearts and souls into it because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them. I know the fans will do everything to try to make it a great event and they will go wild," he added.
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