Were the war dances any good?

Samoa eager to keep ball in hand and are giving it plenty of air using the full width of the field

Aaron Smith takes in the kick off and sends it into touch for the first set piece of the game

Samoa will do the honors to get the game started

The challenges have been laid down and now its time to do the business

Anthem completed and now for the respective war dances

The National Anthems now be sung at up first is the Samoan anthem, followed by the New Zealand Anthem

Samoa making their way out onto Eden park now and they will be closely followed by the home side.

The stage is set and Eden Park is primed to host the opening test match for New Zealand as they take on Samoa. Coach Steve Hansen has fielded a strong side as its also his last opportunity to finalize matters before his side take on the British & Irish Lions next weekend. New Zealand will be captained by Ben Smith in the absence of Kieran Reid who is still recovering from a broken thumb, and the Bath scrum half , Kahn Fotuali'i will captain Samoa. Bauden Barrett is at ten and is partnered with Aaron Smith in a side that sees Bauden joined by his siblings Scott and Jordie. Samoa has a side that is filled with players who will be familiar to those who follow the Pro12 and Premiership and includes Jack Lam from Bristol and the Northampton Full Back Ahsee Tuala. The Samoans will be up against it as the All Black will be out to impress their coach in order to cement a starting birth against the touring B&I Lions next week at the same ground here in Auckland.

Woo