Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Israel Dagg are on duty in Samoa © Getty Images

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Rarely does an international rugby coach thank his opposition for fielding his strongest possible team, but Samoa's Stephen Betham is grateful that Steve Hansen has unveiled an All Blacks squad bristling with quality, particularly up front, for the one-off Test in Apia on Wednesday.

Hansen has selected all but a full-strength pack while the All Blacks' backline is missing a handful of first-choice candidates because of their involvement in the Super Rugby final.

"They are the best team in the world and this is the respect that they've given us," Betham said after unveiling his own team on Monday. "We need to gauge ourselves before heading to the World Cup and we thank Steve Hansen for naming a very strong side."

Veteran All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will start, something many predicted pundits wouldn't happen because of a perceived need to steer the 34-year-old safely to the World Cup. Another great, Dan Carter, is handed the play-making duties, also to the delight of the Samoans.

"We're happy to see them start," Betham said. "That was the buzz this morning when the boys took a look at the All Blacks team. They knew that they were in for it.

"Just having Richie McCaw and Dan Carter taking the field, the boys are honoured. But at the same time, we've got a job to do so we can't get fazed by that."

Samoa fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, meanwhile, is embracing the chance to debut on the Test stage for the first time. He has received texts over the weekend from cousin and Chiefs team-mate Sonny Bill Williams, who was named in the All Blacks midfield on Monday. The banter was friendly, even if the on-field collisions won't be.

"We have to try and make sure we match them in every aspect," Nanai-Williams said. "I'm just going to enjoy every minute of it and I'm sure the people will remember this for many more years."

Samoa: Tim Nanai-Williams, Alofa Alofa, Paul Perez, Johnny Leota, Alesana Tuilagi, Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotualii, Ofisa Treviranus (capt), Jack Lam, Alafoti Faosiliva, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Census Johnston, Ole Avei, Sakaria Taulafo. Replacements: Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Anthony Perenise, Joe Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Pele Cowley, Faialaga Afamasaga, Ken Pisi.

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, George Moala, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Charles Piutau, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Hika Elliot, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Matt Todd, Brad Weber, Colin Slade, Charlie Ngatai.