The two teams are walking out together, side by side. The crowd are erupting, so much excitement from all involved.
The players form a straight line across the park and we are now having a minute silence for two legends who have passed on, Jerry Collins and Peter Fatialofa.
And now it's national anthem time. New Zealand are up first.
Marlena Devoe belts out a classic God of Nations rendition to get things started, full of verve and passion. The Maori verse was strong, but the English finish may have been better. Strong start for New Zealand.
Now it's Samoa's turn as Henry Hunkin does the duty for the hosts.
There is so much passion written over the Samoan players faces, this means the world to them. And it's a great anthem, upbeat, easy, beautiful. The Samoans may have just edged the early stages.
Now it's Haka time. And it's a haka standoff. The All Blacks are up first, as powerful as ever. But the Samoan's aren't done yet.
The Samoan haka is accompanied by a shirtless man with a spear jumping all over the shop. What incredible scenes, spine tingling.
Now the singing and dancing is out of the way it's time to get things started.
These first moments will be very interesting. Samoa, of course, will want to stamp a physical mark on affairs from the kick-off but, if they're to have any chance of remaining competitive throughout, they may want to hold a little back in reserve.
Samoa have the kick off and it's knocked deep down to Sam Whitelock.
Andy Ellis gets a clearing kick away and the Samoan fullback is tested early.
There was a loose ball that Kieran Read attacked at pace and knocked on. Early scrum to Samoa 30m out from their own line.
The Samoan pack outweighs the All Blacks' and they earn a penalty from the first scrum. Front row angling in was the call.
But Pisi hasn't found touch with his kick. Israeal Dagg is back to clean up and kicks straight back to Samoa.
But it's been turned over by Ryan Crotty on halfway and now the All Blacks are in a good attacking position.
Great hands from Sonny Bill WIlliams in midfield to keep the ball moving. The Samoan defence is standing strong though.
Eventually the ball is knocked forward from New Zealand. Kieran Read with his second knock-on inside the first five minutes.
The All Blacks are trying to play with pace so it will be interesting to see if both sides can keep this up.
The scrum is set in exactly the same place as last time. 30m out from the Samoan line.
A decent early spell in possession from the All Blacks there. They exchanged passes well to spread the ball to the right touchline before it was spilled in midfield. Expect, as always, to see a few signs of rust in the first test of the year.
Samoa spin the ball wide right but the ball is easily turned over. All Blacks are perched on the 22 now.
PENALTY ALL BLACKS - Samoa are pinged for offside and Dan Carter will kick for goal.
Carter knocks the penalty over from straight in front and the All Blacks lead 3-0.
5 MINS - ALL BLACKS 3 SAMOA 0
Samoa kick off and Ellis clears by punching a kick deep back into the Samoan half. A game of forceback breaks out that New Zealand win. Samoa kicked out on the full from outside their 22.
The All Blacks have their drive on now, McCaw with the ball in hand.
Carter kicks wide toward George Moala's wing now but it's a little too heavy. Samoan lineout.
Samoa win the long lineout and then drop the ball. But the All Blacks were offside. Samoa take the penalty quickly.
This time it's Tim Nanai Williams who spills the ball forward. Samoa are struggling to get out of their half in the first 10 minutes, the All Blacks defence has been strong.
All Blacks scrum now 30m out.
A few too many errors early for Samoa. They will be in trouble if they continue to give the All Blacks extra chances to attack.
The All Blacks go blindside with Moala but a thumping tackle from Tuilagi has put him on his butt.
But Samoa lost the ball forward in the following phase and New Zealand have another scrum.
Now it's a penalty, Samoa penalised for being offside.
The All Blacks have enjoyed 90 per cent territory in the opening 12 minutes, with Samoa committing too many errors and transgressions to get out of their half.
Carter will lineup another kick at goal. This one from 35m out and near the sideline.
by Georgie McLeod via twitter 7/8/2015 2:09:55 AM
All Blacks have prepared for the heat - buses yesterday in the parade and now big sun umbrellas for the reserves bench... SAMvNZLby Tim Murphy via twitter 7/8/2015 2:14:33 AM
