Samoa vs. New Zealand: 5 Things We Learned

New Zealand made history after defeating Samoa 25-16 on Wednesday in what was the first-ever clash between the two teams on Samoan soil.

George Moala scored the All Blacks' only try as Dan Carter provided six penalties and a conversion to steer Steve Hansen's side past their hosts.

Alafoti Faosiliva bagged the home side's only try in what proved to be an exceedingly physical matchup, but the close neighbours both ended in high spirits due to the nature of the tie.

Read on as we run down some of those lessons learned from a memorable encounter in Apia.

1. Manu Samoa Rising as New Zealand Clash Goes Down in History

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Sport is a beautiful thing in that while its premise may pit groups or nations against one another on the pitch, the unifying properties it boasts are also vast, as was seen on Wednesday.

So important was this week's clash against New Zealand that Samoa granted its people a public holiday half-day just to make sure the historic meeting was witnessed by all.

Despite being so close in a geographical sense, it's somewhat saddening to have seen it taken so long for the All Blacks to make the trip to Apia, especially when so many of their own stars have Samoan heritage in their bloodlines.

Hopefully, July 8, 2015, doesn't go down as a one-off affair, as regular meetings against the All Blacks would certainly help raise Samoa's profile and ultimately bring them on as a Tier 2 nation.

2. All Blacks Strength in Depth Thriving as Usual

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With many of those players involved in Saturday's Super Rugby final enjoying a break from international duty, Hansen was limited to a restricted player pool on Wednesday, but a fearsome one nonetheless.

Even without his Hurricanes and Highlanders players, the All Blacks coach managed to field a team that would make some of the giants of world rugby tremble, with Carter, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read and Sonny Bill Williams among those present.

Hansen, his coaching staff and indeed the New Zealand rugby institutions have done a wonderful job of producing a factory line of new and emerging talent, which was evident through Wednesday's selection.

It speaks volumes of their strength in depth that one could probably replace Wednesday's entire XV with a lineup of players who weren't involved and still boast a World Cup-ready side.

3. Samoa Physicality Gives Team World Cup Lifeline

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With only two tries scored in Apia, Samoa gave their guests a tough run for their money in the most literal sense possible; it was hot and heavy under the Samoan sun, but the All Blacks were just too slick.

Even in victory, New Zealand captain McCaw was full of praise for the challenge Stephen Betham's side posed, per Sky Sports: "I'm not sure words can justify the type of match it was. I will say to the Manu Samoa team, the way you played that's what true Test match rugby is all about and we said before we came that was what we'd get. And that's what you boys did."

That being said, Samoa's up-front approach remains unchanged, and it may yet see them emerge from Pool B at the World Cup, where they face off against South Africa, Japan, the United States and Scotland.

The Springboks stand out by some margin as the likely winners of the group, but in what seems destined to be a battle for second spot, Samoa can place some faith in giving their foes a stern examination.

4. New Zealand Power Remains Unrivalled

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Not that we really needed a match against Samoa to prove it, but New Zealand remain the unrivalled champions of how to approach running rugby, despite a low try count.

Of the 15 players who started for Samoa on Wednesday, only six managed to not miss any of their tackle attempts as the All Blacks ravaged their opponents pitch-wide in periods.

Of course, it's the quality of Hansen's athletes that gives him such a tremendous advantage, but supporting in numbers and the ability of just about every player to make yardage with ball in hand also contributes greatly.

What's even more terrifying is the fact New Zealand still have to welcome a large portion of their very best players back into the squad, at which point their Rugby Championship peers can look on in concern.

5. Charles Piutau Can Overcome Injury Woes to Earn World Cup Place

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Of all the "second-string" players to have been handed their chance in Apia, none seized upon the opportunity more so than Blues star Charles Piutau.

His 57 carrying metres finished as a match-high among New Zealand players—only Samoa flanker Faosiliva managed more in the fixture—while his defensive work was also praise-worthy.

As shown by Eat Sleep Rugby, Piutau provided a safe pair of hands under the high ball, and he succeeded with all five of his tackle attempts, not to mention beating four defenders from two clean line breaks.

His ability to fill in at full-back as well as out wide makes him a useful squad asset to have around, and despite recurring, niggling injuries in his left knee, Piutau may yet be deemed a World Cup option worth keeping around.

All statistics come courtesy of ESPN Scrum.