Ofisa Treviranus will captain Samoa in home Test with New Zealand

London Irish flanker Ofisa Treviranus will captain Samoa in their historic home Test match against New Zealand next month.

The July 8 match, at Apia Park in the Samoa capital, will be the first Test played by the All Blacks in the Pacific Islands after previous trips to Fiji for matches without Test status.

After the Prime Ministers of Samoa and New Zealand joined calls for a game to be set up, New Zealand found space in their pre-World Cup schedule for the trip, and it is expected to be the biggest sporting event in Samoa's history.

Treviranus admitted he was shocked to be named captain as he said: "When I heard that, I was a little nervous.

"I thank God for this opportunity. It's not going to be an easy one. I didn't expect this to be honest.

"It is a great honour to be asked to captain this side as we prepare to host the All Blacks.

Live International Rugby Union

"I know that my primary job is to earn my own selection into the starting team and then from there I will do my best to provide the leadership that's been asked of me."

Coach Stephen Betham added: "Ofisa is a strong force in the Manu Samoa environment and he has the respect of the players on and off the field.

"Ofisa has previously captained the Samoa Sevens team and was a cornerstone player of the Sevens team that won the Sevens World Series in 2010. We congratulate him and we know that he will take this responsibility with great dignity and humility."