LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Samoa coach Ben Gardiner is confident that his team's "blue wall" can handle New Zealand's Nelson Asofa-Solomona when he comes off the bench on Saturday.
Last week, Australia dominated Samoa in the Pacific Championships, with starting props Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui both scoring tries.
However, Samoa managed to work their way back into the game, with lock Keenan Palasia being the only starting forward to run for over 100m.
To address this issue, Samoa will need to step up their defense against a formidable Kiwis pack, including James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, and Joseph Tapine in the starting lineup.
Asofa-Solomona, who plays for the Storm, will come off the bench, adding another level of challenge for Samoa.
Gardiner acknowledges that it will take a collective effort to stop the 200cm giant.
He acknowledges Asofa-Solomona's skill and power as a player, and also highlights his positive personality off the field.
Gardiner's confidence in his team's ability to handle Asofa-Solomona suggests that Samoa has a plan in place to neutralize the threat he poses.
With the game set to take place at Eden Park on Saturday, all eyes will be on Samoa's "blue wall" to see if they can effectively contain Asofa-Solomona and make their mark against the Kiwis.