Update: 3:56PM The All Blacks have beaten Samoa 25-16 in their rugby test in Apia. The visitors led 12-3 at half time.
Both sides scored one try with George Moala touching down for the All Blacks, while Dan Carter kicked the conversion and 6 penalties.
It is the lowest score by New Zealand in a Test against Samoa, while the 9 points is their smallest margin.
It was a typical first up performance by the All Blacks, who struggled in the conditions and against a determined homeside.
The New Zealanders were inacurrate in a number of areas, especially with ball handling.
Carter’s successful goal kicking allowed the All Blacks to build scoreboard pressure in a tight first half before he produced a pinpoint cross kick for winger George Moala to score a try on debut to open a 19-3 lead after halftime.
Samoa flyhalf Tusi Pisi slotted nine points for the home side, who put the All Blacks under pressure in the second half to get back to 22-16 after Alafoti Fa’osiliva’s try following two storming runs up the middle of the park.
The All Blacks appear to have got through the game without any injury concerns.
All four debutants got got time for the All Blacks, wing George Moala started, while prop Nepo Laulala, halfback Brad Weber and centre Charlie Ngatai.
It is the first time the All Blacks have played a test in Samoa.
A capacity crowd of 8104 watched the game at Apia Park.
