Manu Samoa perform Siva Tau Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Manu Samoa rugby coach Stephen Betham says his team now knows what they need to work on following their 25-16 loss to the All Blacks in Apia yesterday.
Both sides scored one try with George Moala touching down for the All Blacks, while Dan Carter kicked the conversion and 6 penalties.
Loose forward Alafoti Faosiliva scored Samoa's try during a dominant period for the homeside midway through the second half.
Manu Samoa and the All Blacks sing their respective national anthems ahead of their rugby match in Apia Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
It is the lowest score by New Zealand in a Test against Samoa, while the 9 points is their smallest margin.
Betham said his team will take away a lot from this test in the lead up to the world cup in September.
"If there's any team you need to gauge yourself on before heading to the world cup, it's the number one team in the world, and that's exactly what we did today. By fronting up, we know now what we need to work on, if we stick together like we did today, then we can compete any of the top five teams in the world."
The team's assistant coach, Alama Ieremia, says his players gave 100 percent in the historic test and the team's performance is a proud moment for the country.
"Although we didn't get the win, I do know that they gave it 100 percent. We loss a test match but we gave it everything and it is a first test match of the year, and we will take our lessons and move forward."
Manu Samoa head coach Stephen Betham. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
