Samoa name squad for historic All Blacks Test

​Samoa have named a 27-man squad heavy with overseas-based players for next week's historic one-off Test against New Zealand.

The July 8 fixture will be the first time the All Blacks will play a Test match in the Pacific Islands after previous trips to play Fiji were not given that status.

Prime minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegao, who is also chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, announced the squad on Tuesday in the Samoan capital Apia, where the match will be played,.

Space in the All Blacks' pre-World Cup schedule was found for the match after he and the Prime Minister of New Zealand joined calls for the game to be set up. It is expected to be the biggest sporting event in Samoa's history.

The starting line-up has yet to be confirmed but London Irish flanker Ofisa Treviranus was named earlier this week as captain.

He is likely to combine in an experienced back-row with France-based double international Maurie Fa'asavalu and Bristol No 8 Jack Lam. Fa'asavalu  played rugby league for Great Britain before joining London-based Harlequins in 2010.

The Samoa squad is drawn from players based in England, France, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa, highlighting the extent of the Samoan rugby diaspora.

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At least 24 of the 27-man Samoa squad are permanently based overseas. Among the forwards, hooker Wayne Ole Avei plays in France for Bordeaux-Begles while of the props Viliamu Afatia is at Agen, Census Johnston at Toulouse, Anthony Perenise at Bristol and Sakaria Taulafo at Stade Francais.

Lock Kane Thompson is with Newcastle in England while among his fellow-second rowers Teofilo Paulo is with the Cardiff Blues and Joe Tekori with Toulouse.

Tusi Pisi, who is likely to start at fly-half, is based in Japan with Suntory Sungoliath and may combine with scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i, who plays at Northampton.

Full-back Tim Nanai-Williams plays for the Hamilton-based Chiefs in Super Rugby while, of the wingers named, Alofa Alofa is with La Rochelle in France, Ken Pisi is with Northampton and Alesana Tuilagi, brother of England centre Manu Tuilagi, is at Newcastle.                  

"In the forwards alone it's a big challenge for us as it's an opportunity, a one-off opportunity to play against the best," Fa'asavalu said.

The Samoa players have been in camp for some time preparing for the Test on Wednesday next week.

"It's about every player gelling together... getting our plays right and the little things that help us make the improvement," added Fa'asavalu.

New Zealand have yet to name their match line-up.

Samoa squad: Wayne Ole Avei, Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Census Johnston, Anthony Perenise, Sakaria Taulafo, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Iosefa Tekori, Fa'atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Jack Lam, Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Maurie Fa'asavalu, TJ Ioane, Kahn Fotuali'i, Peleifofoga Cowley, Tusiata Pisi, Michael Stanley, Alofa Alofa, Ken Pisi, Alesana Tuilagi, Faialaga Afamasaga, Johnny Leota, Paul Perez, Tim Nanai-Williams, Ah See Tuala.