It was a clear, fine Friday afternoon, and a slight balmy breeze blew through the stadium.  There was  a sold out crowd in attendance and the Apia Park facilities were in excellent condition.  All was ready for the clash of the year.  With the respective war dances over and both teams in their clean jerseys, the game exploded with such fervour that it had the crowd wound up from the very begining.  Within the first few minutes Manu Samoa delivered the first try of the game, that was soon to be disallowed.  As both teams were ready to do battle, what resulted was exciting from start to finish.  This game proved to be so thrilling that it had the crowd out of their seats, screaming themselves hoarse for the entire game. 

In the end, even with their valiant efforts Manu Samoa lost to the Junior All Blacks 16-17, a close game by any standards.   They played a fantastic game - thrilling is an understatement, and the Friday afternoon game had all the hallmarks of a world class clash right from the outset.  For most of the spectatoprs this game proved to be the best entertainment Samoa has seen at Apia Park for quite some time.  This is how rugby should be!  An excellent game was played by all, and we look forward to more entertaining rugby in the future.  Well done both teams.