Excitement is reaching fever pitch as Samoa prepares for this afternoon's historic rugby test between Manu Samoa and the All Blacks.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The test will be the first between the two teams on Samoan soil, and the anticipation has been building in the island nation since the fixture was announced last September.
Samoa has declared a half-day public holiday this afternoon to celebrate the occasion, and big screens are in place in many villages so everyone can support their team.
The game kicks off at 2 o'clock New Zealand time (3pm Samoa).
Radio New Zealand's reporter Sharon Lundy is in Apia.
"People here are very excited about the game. It's being played on live screens in the centre of Apia. People have been here since 9 o'clock this morning to get a good seat. They're wearing blue, they're flying flags. Even the big Catholic cathedral here is flying a Go Manu Samoa banner. It's slightly cloudy but it's very hot. There's a small breeze and the players will be grateful for that. The locals think that the weather will give the Manu Samoa team the home advantage."
Read more about the buildup to today's historic test match here.
Crowds arriving at the ground for today's match Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Crowds arrive at the ground in Apia for today's match Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A home in Apia flies the colours. Photo: RNZ / Sharon Lundy
Apia's Catholic Cathedral gets into the spirit of the game. Photo: RNZ / Sharon Lundy
Photo: RNZ / Sharon Lundy
Coach Steve Hansen, second from right, and assistant coach Wayne Smith during a parade for the New Zealand All Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
