League: 'Frank the Tank' expects close battle with Kiwis

Frank Pritchard is confident Samoa have the firepower to match the Kiwis.

Former Kiwis back-rower Frank Pritchard looms as one of the biggest obstacles for the Kiwis in today's Four Nations clash against Samoa in Whangarei.

After representing New Zealand in 27 test matches, "Frank the Tank" led the way for his new teammates with a dynamic first outing for Samoa in their narrow defeat to England last Saturday.

Pritchard was a dominant force on the left edge of the park, with his rampaging runs and offloads putting Samoa on the front foot, while the 113kg giant even produced a deft kick to earn a repeat set for the men in blue.

He admits today's match will hold added significance and is unsure what to expect when he lines up against his former countrymen.

"It's going to be different. I think I played about 30 tests for the Kiwis but now I'm here representing my family and culture," Pritchard said.

"There are not too many players who get to play for Samoa and the Kiwis by the time their career ends. We've got similarities in the same culture and passion, pride and emotion will ride a lot in this game so we have to stay strong.

"I've got a lot of brothers in both teams and it's just another game at the end of the day and we'll be friends afterwards."

The 31-year-old Canterbury Bulldogs veteran was a member of the Kiwis side at last year's World Cup and many fans and critics assumed that association would continue at this tournament.

Pritchard was just as surprised that he was available for selection after a torn pectoral muscle ruined most of his season and had him thinking his international career had ended. "I was ruled out by the specialist for the whole year and missed 22 NRL games. I missed the Anzac test and only played four games at the end of the year.

"To come back and play in a grand final was pretty good. I thought my international rep footy would finish up so getting the call-up to play for Samoa was an honour."

He laughed off suggestions tomorrow's match presented a chance to dominate his former teammates and insisted he held no desire to prove a point to anyone in the New Zealand camp.

While a rugged physical encounter is assured, Pritchard insists his side need to remain focused on the bigger picture at Toll Stadium.

"We've just got to play our game. I know the Kiwis culture is to stay in the grind for 80 minutes and it's not going to be easy but we've just got to stay in the fight because if we don't then there could be a one-sided scoreline," he said.

The professionalism of coach Matt Parish - Laurie Daley's NSW assistant - has added plenty of belief to the Samoa team and Pritchard was excited about the values being instilled in the squad's rookies.

"He's been really good. He's just been trying to bring in a lot of belief, respect, family, and honour and that's what we're all buying into ..."

Pritchard is confident Samoa have the firepower to match the Kiwis but says improving their ball security and execution will determine whether they can build upon their last outing.

"We know we are the underdogs of the tournament.

"We tried to dominate the England pack up the middle which is our strength so I think we'll go a similar way with that and just try to be a lot better with our last tackle and kick options.

"We know the Kiwis are strong all over the park so for us it's just about holding the ball and completing our sets."