This was the result we were all expecting - an absolute try-fest. The All Blacks ran in fourteen trys, and were awarded a penalty try, on their way to a 101-14 point thrashing of Samoa.

So what can the All Blacks take from a match like this?

Well, if we're honest - not a whole lot.

All this Test was good for was a chance for the All Blacks to stretch their legs, ahead of next weekend's clash with the Wallabies. Still - it was important for them play well, which they did for most of the game.

The Samoans played with a lot of passion, and were awarded with two really well earned trys. They lacked discipline, though, and they were constantly penalised around the ruck for playing the ball with their hands.

Their defence was pretty ordinary out wide, too, which the All Blacks were able to exploit on many occasions.

Overall - they gave it a good shot, and for many of their young players the experience of playing the All Blacks will benefit their personal game in the years to come.

Their standout player was Uale Mai, who scored their opening try and played a big part in setting up their second. He looks to have a solid defensive game as well, leading the way with some massive hits.

The All Blacks were strong right across the field, but Jerome Kaino and Conrad Smith were outstanding.

Isaia Toeava had a strong second half, and showed some of those skills we all know he possesses.

These kinds of Tests are extremely important for world rugby (especially for developing nations like Samoa), and we hope the All Blacks can start playing a lot more of them - not for their own benefit, but for the good of rugby worldwide.

All Blacks 101
(trys - Muliaina (3), Smith (2), Kahui (2), Thomson, Cowan, Donald, Williams, Kaino, Toeava, Weepu, penalty try; conversions - Carter (5), Donald (6))

Samoa 14
(trys - Mai, Faosiliva; conversions - Mai, Warren)

The All Blacks are set to take on Samoa on Wednesday night in a one off Test in New Plymouth, and while the Samoan side may not be as strong as it could possibly be (don't get us started), it's a good chance for the All Blacks to stretch their legs ahead of next weeks clash against Australia.

They should have no problem putting plenty of points on the board. The main concern will be that they all get through the game unscathed - Samoa, after all, are known for their ferocious tackling.

This Test is all about the All Blacks maintaining their form, which is vital seeing that they haven't played a Test in three weeks - although some of the boys have been playing in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Samoa, on the other hand, don't have a whole to lot play for in this Test - other than a bit of pride, of course, and the chance for some of the Island boys to say they played against the best rugby team in the world.

We don't doubt for a second that they'll bring a lot of passion to the game, but it's highly likely that the scoreline could resemble a cricket score more than a rugby one.

Graham Henry has gone with a full strength side, which doesn't bode well for Samoa. The only players sitting this Test out are Richie McCaw, Sitivini Sivivatu and Brad Thorn, all due to niggling injuries.

Rodney So'oialo will captain the side in his 50th Test.

Here's how the All Blacks line up:

Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Anthony Tuitavake, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Rodney So'oialo (c), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Kevin Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Sione Luaki, Piri Weepu, Stephen Donald, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf.

Next week the All Blacks take on Samoa in a one-off Test in New Plymouth.

While the All Blacks should have no problem against the Samoans, the one-off Test will be a great opportunity for guys like Stephen Donald, Adam Thomson and Anthony Boric to get a decent run.

It's fantastic to see the NZRU taking Test rugby back to the provinces - it makes the All Blacks accessible to people who normally wouldn't get to see them play live.

What isn't so fantastic is the fact that the Samoan team will most likely be understrength, due to the European clubs refusing to grant the players leave.

This is a serious problem for international rugby, and has been so for a long time now. The clubs pay the players salary's, and therefore feel they have the right to stop them from playing international rugby when it interferes with club duties.

We can understand that the clubs have invested in these players, but playing for your country is the ultimate honour in any sport - and should always take precedence over club rugby.

The IRB needs to stamp it's authority on the matter, rather than sitting back and allowing clubs to control who can and cannot play for their countries.

If clubs refuse to release their international players, they should do so at their own expense by having to pay a heavy fine to the affected country(s). A system like this would certainly make club officials think twice before stopping a player from representing their country.

There are too many Tests being played nowadays with understrength sides, including the likes of England and France, who think sending a B or C side on a tour is acceptable.

Well, it's not acceptable - and it's ruining Test rugby.

Fans don't want to watch a full strength All Blacks side play England's B team. Tests are supposed to be the toughest form of the game, but at the moment what we're getting is anything but tough.

We feel for Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, who constantly have to struggle to put together sides. If the IRB doesn't crack down on the clubs, then there's no way these countries can improve.

We hope you're listening, IRB - something needs to be done.

Now.


*A quick update - Joe Rokocoko may be back in time to face the Wallabies in Brisbane, which is good news for the All Blacks. Rokocoko has been injured since the Super 14, and it would be great to see him back in the black jersey. His return will certainly put a lot of pressure on the under performing Sivivatu, who needs a good shake up.*