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8 Jul 2015

All Blacks fight heat to beat Samoa

4:59 pm on 8 July 2015

The All Blacks have overcome the heat and a spirited home side to beat Manu Samoa 25-16 in today's historic rugby test match in Apia.

The visitors led 12-3 at half time.

All Blacks, Kieran Read running with the ball. PHOTOSPORT

PHOTOSPORT

Players from both sides take a moment after the end of the history-making match. PHOTOSPORT

All Blacks and Samoa after New Zealand's victory at Apia Park. PHOTOSPORT

All Blacks v Manu Samoa, Apia Park. PHOTOSPORT

Fans arrive early for the All Blacks v Manu Samoa rugby union test match at Apia Park. PHOTOSPORT

Apia's catholic cathedral gets into the spirit of the game. RNZ / Sharon Lundy

Fans arrive early for the All Blacks v Manu Samoa rugby union test match at Apia Park. PHOTOSPORT

A local home in Apia flies the colours. RNZ / Sharon Lundy

All Blacks travelling by bus during the parade. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

Police keep the crowds at bay during the speeches at today's parade. RNZ / Sharon Lundy

Coach Steve Hansen, second from right, and assistant coach Wayne Smith. Photo / Photosport.

All Blacks' Captain Richie McCaw.

All black Hika Elliot puttng a boy through his paces. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

Pacific Institute of Performing Arts students Troy Mils and Tavai (from left) prepare to welcome the All Blacks with a combined New Zealand / Samoan haka. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

The All Blacks visit Marist Brothers' Primary School. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

All Blacks arrive in Samoa amid tight security. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

The crowd at the parade. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

Five-year-old Richard and his father Melia await the All Blacks arrival at Faleolo Airport. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

All Blacks supporters Sita and Tutasi Tuigamala from Waikato. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

Charles Piutau and local baby Seamona. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

Local woman Rosetta. RNZ / Sharon Lundy.

Manu Samoa captain Ofisa Treviranus with several local parliamentarians at the squad naming for the All Blacks test. RNZI / Tipi Autagavaia.

Manu Samoa coach Stephen Betham (left) manager Sami Leota (centre) and co-coach Alama Ieremia at the team announcement in Apia. RNZ / Sharon Lundy

PIPA students from NZ performing the haka at the exhibition in Apia. RNZI / Tipi Autagavaia

Both sides scored one try with George Moala touching down for the All Blacks, while Dan Carter kicked the conversion and six penalties.

It is the lowest score by New Zealand in a test against Samoa, while the nine points is their smallest margin.

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It was a typical first-up performance by the All Blacks, who struggled in the conditions and against a determined home side.

The New Zealanders were inaccurate in a number of areas, especially with ball handling.

Players from both sides take a moment after the end of the history-making match.

Players from both sides take a moment after the end of today's history-making match in Apia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Dan Carter's successful goal kicking allowed the All Blacks to build scoreboard pressure in a tight first half before he produced a pinpoint cross kick for winger George Moala to score a try on debut to open a 19-3 lead after half-time.

Samoa flyhalf Tusi Pisi slotted nine points for the home side, who put the All Blacks under pressure in the second half to get back to 22-16 after Alafoti Fa'osiliva's try following two storming runs up the middle of the park.

The All Blacks appear to have got through the game without any injury concerns.

All four debutants got time for the All Blacks: George Moala started, while prop Nepo Laulala, halfback Brad Weber and centre Charlie Ngatai came off the bench.

It is the first time the All Blacks have played a test in Samoa.

A capacity crowd of 8104 watched the game at Apia Park.