Although it has been an underwhelming buildup so far, there is no denying the importance of the Kiwis’ clash with Samoa on Saturday (6pm, Eden Park).
The timing isn’t great – on Labour weekend – while the All Blacks’s stunning win over Ireland, along with the Black Caps’ encouraging start in their World Cup, has diverted many eyeballs. And international league is again trying to find its way, with a new post season competition, after the closure of the previous mid-season windows.
But this match is crucial, as the Kiwis want to make a statement on home soil. Due to Covid and scheduling issues, they’ve only played once in New Zealand since 2019. They need to bank a win on Saturday to ensure progression to the Pacific Championship final in Hamilton on November 4, rather than leaving their fate hinging on a positive result against the Kangaroos in Melbourne next week.
It’s also the start of a new cycle. While injuries and post-season surgery have been factors, there are only two survivors from the 17 used in Michael Maguire’s first match against Australia five years ago, and even some significant omissions from last year’s World Cup squad.
That adds to the intrigue, in the game against the 2022 World Cup finalists. Maguire has selected four debutants, with Canberra centre Matt Timoko, West Coast product Griffin Neame, Newcastle forward Leo Thompson and club mate Fa’amanu Brown in the 17. Timoko is coming off his best NRL season while Neame has been a recent standout at the Cowboys. Brown was the best dummy half option available and Thompson impressed during the Knights’ late season run.