All Blacks set to unleash SBW and Kaino in Samoan test

Sonny Bill Williams' presence in a new-look midfield could be just one talking point of an intriguing All Blacks team to take on Samoa.

Spurred on by passionate locals, Samoa will be hissing to shock the world and knock over the All Blacks for the first time in Apia on July 8.

They will come flying out of the line, shoulders primed like Brian Lima, launching themselves into combat.

But with Williams and Jerome Kaino likely to feature in the starting line-up, the All Blacks will be ready to unleash their own hit men.

Of course, on the whole, they will adopt a much more methodical approach. But as with any test of significance, a strong emotional element will be prevalent and the need to front physically throughout must be a given.

This test holds personal meaning for Kaino, who was born in American Samoa and likely to be preferred over fellow blindside flanker Liam Messam for that reason. And there's no doubt Williams also ticks the physicality box.

"There's a real bounce in his step," All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said of Williams.

"Whilst his injury with his back was disappointing, it did give him a break. I know that break was a bit longer than what he wanted.

"When he came back he was rusty in a couple of areas but overall his energy levels were high and he certainly looks like he's got a glint in his eye in this camp. He looks very ready to go."

Williams and Ryan Crotty are favoured to get first crack in midfield – outside Crusaders halves pairing Andy Ellis and Dan Carter.

Stepping into Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith's roles is no easy task and it serves to highlight the All Blacks' depth that they have Williams, Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa also fighting for game time this year.

"I've got a lot of admiration for what he's done," Foster said of Crotty.

"We're a Nonu-Smith country, aren't we? It hasn't be easy to establish himself. When he's played for us, his total accuracy has been impressive. We also felt he grew his decision-making. He became really effective in attack with some of the running lines.

"He's a little bit more than a calming influence – he's got the ability to add much more than that."

With Matt Todd expected to start at openside flanker in combination with Kaino and Kieran Read, who may assume the captaincy, the tightfive largely picks itself.

The back three is another area of interest. Israel Dagg's fitness is progressing and he may be right to start at fullback, with Charles Piutau, who made his return from a knee injury in Auckland club rugby on Saturday, possibly on the left wing.

With Highlanders finisher Waisake Naholo and electric Hurricanes utility Nehe Milner-Skudder among 17 All Blacks unavailable due to Saturday's Super Rugby final in Wellington, Colin Slade may be used on the other wing. Chiefs halfback Brad Weber may be also be in line for a test debut from the bench, with no Aaron Smith or TJ Perenara.

Starting the World Cup campaign on the right note is a must. Desipte their limited options, the All Blacks will name a team this week that reflects those intentions. But the build-up has clearly presented unique challenges.

"It's not just a matter of picking a team," Foster said. "We've had to juggle all the options we may have.

"Samoa is going to be a vital test for us. We'll do everything we can to put the strongest team out but we've also got to be aware some guys have come off some massive workloads and some have missed out on this week's camp, so there's a different dynamic to selection."

Foster led New Zealand A to Samoa in 2007 and 2008 and knows the heat the atmosphere will bring.

With the likes of dynamic Chiefs utility Tim Nanai-Williams, former Hurricanes Jack Lam, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, along with 121kg wing Alesana Tuilagi, Kahn Fotuali'i, Ray Lee-Lo, Kane Thompson and Anthony Perenise all named in their squad, Liam Messam also realises every inch must be earned.

"There will be some old faces you'll see in the Samoan team," Messam said. "We know it's going to be a very passionate game. They take it to a whole new level at home and the boys are really looking forward to that challenge. It should be an awesome occasion."

Possible team to play Samoa: Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (c), Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Charles Piutau, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Colin Slade, Israel Dagg.