Carnival time as All Blacks jet in
HISTORIC: SAMOA HAVE NEVER HOSTED WORLD CHAMPS Residents given a half day off by island’s prime minister.
ApiaS amoa is expected to come to a standstill tomorrow when the All Blacks launch their World Cup preparations by playing in the rugby-obsessed island nation for the first time.
Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’lele Malielegaoi has declared a half-day holiday to mark the historic occasion with a raft of public activities including a street parade for the All Blacks.
“We have to have a half day. It’s a day where everyone should prepare to support the boys,” he told the nation of 192 000.
Michael Jones, who represented both countries in his stellar career, said the long-awaited match was “huge” for Samoans.
“It’s certainly something that will bring the whole country and Samoans around the world to a standstill,” he said.
The significance of the festival atmosphere was not lost on All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
“Clearly it’s going to be a big occasion and it will be good for our guys to have to do something a bit different and see how they react, including myself.”
Samoa is the first of five Tests the All Blacks have before Hansen settles on a 31-man squad to defend their world championship.
He started with a squad of 41 and added another nine to compensate for injuries and the unavailability of 17 players involved in Saturday’s Super Rugby final between the Highlanders and Hurricanes.
Of the late additions, right wing George Moala will make his international debut while scrumhalf Andy Ellis lines up for his first Test since the All Blacks beat France 8-7 in the 2011 final.
The same pack led by Richie McCaw which started that final four years ago will take the field, with the exception of the now retired Brad Thorn whose place is taken by lock Luke Romano.
The backline is more makeshift with Dan Carter partnering Ellis in the halves, Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty in the centres, and Israel Dagg at fullback despite being out since April because of injury. –