Manu Samoa were made to pay for missed opportunities as the All Blacks romped to 78-0 victory at Eden Park last night.
Manu Samoa players, including captain Kahn Fotuali'i (2L), react after their 78-0 thrashing by the All Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The visitors tested the New Zealand defence in the opening period but then as the world champions ran in a number of tries, with little resistance, it has sent a strong warning to the British and Irish Lions.
Manu Samoa captain Kahn Fotuali'i doesn't think the result will affect the team's confidence, as they prepare to face Wales in Apia next weekend.
"First half was pretty positive for us so I think we just need to fix up what we did in the first half and try and carry that through. It just shows fitness isn't up there for us and if we held on to the ball at times - and we turned that over at crucial times we got punished. We obviously played the number one team in the world and they capitalised on every opportunity."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After watching his side score 12 unanswered tries against the Manu, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was in a conciliatory mood last night.
"We've asked for this game and it's tough on the Samoan team: they haven't played for five weeks and, like us, they're bringing people in from all over the place to try and play," he said.
"Even worse than us really: we're only coming in from New Zealand, they've come in from all over the world so it's a tough ask for them and we're really thankful that they accepted the challenge because we know that we needed the game."
Samoa fly to Apia this morning to begin preparations for their home test against Wales next weekend.