All Blacks to leave comfort zone

The All Blacks' impending visit to Samoa is creating excitement for the players and management, but also a hint of trepidation, as news of the hot weather in Apia filters through a squad which is shivering even in Auckland.

The Samoan capital has this week recorded temperatures of 32degC, which, combined with a humidity factor of 100 per cent, will provide for a challenging afternoon at Apia Park. The test on Wednesday, July 8, the first for the All Blacks in the Pacific Islands, kicks off at 3pm.

In a bid to minimise disruptions during the build-up to the test, the All Blacks will arrive on the Monday, only two days beforehand, leaving little time to adapt to the heat. Super Rugby matches in Brisbane in February are often played in very hot conditions, but leaving a New Zealand winter to play in such high temperatures will be a novelty for most of the players.

The other element likely to take the All Blacks out of their comfort zone is the Manu Samoa team itself. Some in the side will be familiar to the All Blacks players and coaches, but many of the overseas-based men won't be, and a variety of clubs will be supplying players, including those from England, France and Japan.

Samoa, ranked ninth on the World Rugby ladder, behind Argentina and above Scotland, have named a 41-player squad for the test and the Pacific Nations Cup which follows.

Chiefs utility back Tim Nanai-Williams has yet to arrive in Apia, while another New Zealand-based player, Hurricanes hooker Motu Matu'u, remains injured and will be unavailable for the test.

Other names familiar to New Zealand Super Rugby followers are former Hurricanes flanker Jack Lam, now at Bristol, and Rey Lee-Lo, a Hurricanes midfielder, whose availability will depend on his team's result in the Super Rugby semifinal against the Brumbies on Saturday. Former Chiefs and Highlanders lock Kane Thompson has also been included.

Former Crusader Kahn Fotuali'i, a halfback who represented Manu Samoa at the last World Cup and now plays for Northampton, will provide a running threat.

All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett played for the Junior All Blacks in Apia in 2007 and has fond memories of the occasion.

"It was awesome, a great atmosphere. The locals welcomed us and looked after us," he said. "Obviously they've got a very good team, they've got lots of players I've played with and against over the years, Super Rugby players, and guys who have moved on to European teams."

Asked whether his teammates were ready for novelty of playing in Samoa - a big change to the usual test venues of the United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, Australia or Argentina, Crockett replied: "A lot of [our] players have been to the Islands over the years. Playing there is certainly different. It is warm and humid, so I'm sure the guys will talk about that... what sort of fluids we need to take on and we might have some ice packs for halftime."

Samoa squad:

Forwards:
Aniseko Sio (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Perenise (Bristol), Jake Grey (Samoa A), Sakaria Taulafo (Stade Français), Viliamu Afatia (Agen), Andrew Williams (Samoa A), Maatulimanu Leiataua (Aurillac), Wayne Ole Avei (Borderaux), Teofilo Paulo (Cardiff Blues), Maselino Paulino (Samoa A), Kane Thompson (Newcastle Falcons), Iosefa Tekori (Toulouse), Faatiga Lemalu (Sannix Blues), Alafoti Faosiliva (Bath), Faifili Levave (Toyota), Francis Ieremia (Samoa A), Jack Lam (Bristol), Maurie Faasavalu (Oyonnax), Ofisa Treviranus (London Irish), Oneone Faafou (Samoa A), Taiasina Tuifua (Bordeaux), Tala James Ioane (Sale Sharks), Vavae Tuilagi (Carcassonne).

Backs:
Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton), Peleifofoga Cowley (Auckland), Vavao Afemai (Samoa A), Michael Stanley (Ulster), Patrick Faapale (Samoa A), Tusiata Pisi (Suntory), Faialaga Afamasaga (Samoa A), Faleniu Iosi (Samoa A), Johnny Leota (Sale Sharks), Reynold Lee Lo (Hurricanes), Ah See Tuala (Northampton), Alesana Tuilagi (Newcastle), Alofa Alofa (La Rochelle), David Lemi (Bristol), Ken Pisi (Northampton), Paul Perez (Natal Sharks), Sinoti Sinoti (Newcastle), Faatoina Autagavaia (Nevers), Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs).