New Zealand
All Blacks under increasing pressure to visit Samoa
ESPN Staff
May 25, 2014

New Zealand Rugby is likely to come under increasing pressure to send the All Blacks to Samoa for the first time, with the country's Prime Minister, John Key, reportedly interested in making progress towards the historic Test when he visits the Pacific nation this week.

 
"There won't be any financial gains but in terms of growing the game, it would be huge." Manu Samoa player Seilala Mapusua.
 

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said recently that "the reality for us is … we have to do what's best for New Zealand rugby, and playing an All Blacks Test match in the islands just doesn't suit our program". But the issue is back on the public agenda after popular New Zealand television host John Campbell began a campaign to pressure New Zealand Rugby to send the team to Apia, subsequently presenting his current affairs share Campbell Live live from North Harbour Stadium ahead of the Blues- Sharks Super Rugby match on Friday to start a petition for the All Blacks to play in Samoa.

The All Blacks have never played a Test in neighbouring Samoa, Fiji or Tonga, but they played Japan in Tokyo en route to Europe last year and New Zealand Rugby recently announce a Test against the United States in Chicago this year - a match the Samoa Observer described as a "Shameful Samoa snub".

New Zealand have played Samoa only five times, but they have not played each other since 2008, when the All Blacks won 101-14 in New Plymouth.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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